Wichita ? Sedgwick County District Judge Clark V. Owens was appointed Tuesday to oversee the case against one of the few abortion providers left in the nation who performs late-term abortions.

The latest appointment, made by Chief Judge Michael Corrigan, came just days after District Judge Anthony Powell withdrew from the case against Dr. George Tiller. Powell, who was a vocal anti-abortion state lawmaker in the late 1990s, said Friday he wanted to avoid the appearance of impropriety.

In stepping down, Powell cited news coverage over public statements he made 10 years ago in which he accused Tiller of “defying legal and moral authority.” Powell noted in court that in a high profile case such as this the judiciary is on trial as much as the defendant.

Tiller’s attorneys had sought a new judge in the case. They did not immediately return a call for comment Tuesday on the latest appointment.

Attorney General Paul Morrison charged Tiller in June with 19 misdemeanors for allegedly failing to get an independent second opinion on some late-term abortions. Tiller maintains his innocence, and his attorneys are challenging the constitutionality of the Kansas statute.

The attorney general’s office said Tuesday it had no problem with Owens’ appointment.

“We are confident that Judge Owens will hear the case on its merits, and we are anxious to move forward,” said Morrison spokeswoman Ashley Anstaett.

Owens has been a state district judge for 16 years, including a stint from 1995 to 2001 as presiding judge of the court’s criminal department. He also served as district attorney in Sedgwick County from 1981 to 1989. In private practice, he represented clients in civil and criminal cases.

“I think we could have done a lot worse,” said Cheryl Sullenger, spokeswoman for the anti-abortion group Operation Rescue. “My understanding is he has a reputation of being a fair man and very well liked. We are going to be cautiously optimistic about this judge and hope to see a fair trial come out of it.”

Julie Burkhart, a lobbyist for ProKanDo, a political action committee Tiller formed, did not return a call for comment Tuesday.