Judge Six named Kansas A.G.
Sebelius appoints Douglas County Judge Stephen Six as new attorney general Enlarge video
New judge sworn in
Many people packed a Douglas County courtroom Friday to see new District Judge Stephen N. Six take the oath of office on February 4, 2005. Six, a graduate of Lawrence High School and Kansas University, was sworn in, shook hands with the other district judges, and donned his black robe before making remarks to the crowd. Enlarge video
Topeka — Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Friday appointed Douglas County District Judge Stephen Six as the next attorney general to replace Paul Morrison, who will leave office amid a sex and ethics scandal.
"I'm confident that in Judge Six, the people of Kansas have an attorney general dedicated to ensuring that the people's law firm is led both effectively and responsibly with character and integrity," Sebelius said in introducing Six to a packed news conference in the Capitol.
Six, 42, the son of retired Kansas Supreme Court Justice Fred Six, promised "to serve with integrity as an independent representative of the people of Kansas."
He will take office Jan. 31 to finish the three years left in Morrison's term.
Six, a Democrat, deflected questions about whether he will run for election in 2010.
"Today is not the day to talk politics. I plan to get to work," he said.
Sebelius said he hoped Six will stand for election, but said the immediate concern was to stabilize the attorney general's office.
"The office has been through some turmoil," she said.
Morrison, the current attorney general, has acknowledged having an extramarital affair with Linda Carter, the former director of administration for the Johnson County District Attorney's Office. Before winning election in 2006, Morrison was the Johnson County district attorney and Carter's supervisor.
Carter also has accused Morrison of sexual harassment and professional misconduct. Morrison has denied those charges but faces several investigations.
Kansas Republican Party executive director Christian Morgan said he didn't know much about Six.
"I'm honestly just glad that the governor finally came around, found some time between Vogue photo shoots and Washington, D.C., cocktail parties to make an appointment," Morgan said.
Meanwhile, Douglas County officials praised Six's appointment.
"He is a person of enormous integrity," said state Rep. Paul Davis, D-Lawrence. "He is one of the best legal minds in Kansas, and I think that he is going to restore some very much needed stability in that office," Davis said.
Six grew up in Lawrence and earned his law degree at Kansas University, graduating second in his class. He clerked for U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Deanell Tacha, a Lawrence resident.
He and his wife, Betsy, a lecturer at the KU Law School, have four children, ages 9, 8, 5 and 2.
In 2005, Six was appointed to the bench by Sebelius. Before being named a judge, Six was a plaintiff's attorney in the firm of Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman in Kansas City, Mo.
Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson praised Six's legal knowledge.
"He has an incredibly sharp legal mind," Branson said.
Lawrence attorney Dan Watkins said Six has succeeded in many areas. "He has a track record of getting up to speed in a hurry and doing very well at whatever he takes on," he said.
Comments
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institches (anonymous) says…
Good Luck, Judge Six. This is a great day for the state of Kansas, and a sad day for Douglas County who loses an exceptional judge.
Logan72 (Alia Ahmed) says…
b3-
I'm curious about your reaction. Do you disagree with his politics or rulings he's made?
preebo (anonymous) says…
I happen to know Judge Stephen, while only for a couple years I have heard great things about his work as an attorney in KC over the years. I met him shortly after he became a District Judge and he has been a great legal mind behind the bench. He may not have the prosecutorial experience that Morrison had, but he does have previous criminal law experience. I would like to have seen Biggs get the nod, but Six is a good choice as well. I hope this can be a smooth transition over the next month or so. Congradulations go out to the Honorable Stephen Six and his family.
notwhatyouthink (anonymous) says…
Six was the toughest judge we had in Douglas County, Now we'll get another Martin or Murphy and all the criminals can rejoice.
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
Press Conference: 11am
Operation Rescue mock trial and effigy burning: 1pm
Good luck to Judge Six... you've got a lot of work ahead of you!
Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
http://www.uscentrist.org
http://www.americanplan.org
preebo (anonymous) says…
I meant congratulations... duh.
BigPrune (anonymous) says…
I did not know Six was prochoice.
filmguru (anonymous) says…
Am I the only one who thought (was hoping) we were getting the hot blonde from Battlestar Galactica?
http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/cast/...
ModerateOne (anonymous) says…
"Good Luck, Judge Six. This is a great day for the state of Kansas, and a sad day for Douglas County who loses an exceptional judge."
Well done, institches. This is all that needs to be said.
stuckinthemiddle (anonymous) says…
I just hope he doesn't have any personal vendettas to settle against Dr. Tiller or Phil Kline... or Paul Morrison... or anyone else... and... I hope he's not cheating on his wife... or any other tomfoolery...
mytake (anonymous) says…
After watching this Judge in action = Judge Six is discriminatory towards females (esp. female prosecutors) and very liberal on criminals. In the case I witnessed, his differential treatment between the male criminal defense attorney and the female prosecutor was so obvious it made me sick.
Judge Six was having a 'bad day' at the preliminary and chose not to listen to new evidence of injuries described by the female prosecuting attorney confirmed by medical experts (in a case of domestic violence) which would have classified the criminal offense at a higher felony charge and carried some prison time. The man nearly beat his ex girlfriend to death. But thanks to Judge Six, the lower charge continued and this man is roaming around today, in Lawrence, on 'probation'.
The DA's office, along with others in the courtroom, were in shock at something so obvious. Someone like Six, in this kind of position, chose not to take the time and listen....... simply because he 'was having a bad day and didn't feel like it.'
Thank God there was a jury trial and this man was sentenced. In my opinion, it would be scary to think what might have happened if there had not been a jury trial and decisions would have been left to Judge Six.
I am afraid Six will undo the accomplishments for Victim Rights spearheaded by Morrison. It is a sad day for any victim of crime in the state of Kansas.
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
http://www2.ljworld.com/search/?q=jud...
After perusing several articles from the above search of the LJW archives, I find that Judge Six seems to have a history of being very, very tough in criminal cases pertaining to...
1) Child molestation
2) Sexual assaults of all types
3) Domestic violence incidents
Could somebody else look, and tell me what I'm missing, if anything?
There's always the outside chance that Judge Six doesn't think much of irresponsible dog owners that let their violent, aggressive dogs run wild through the neighborhood; admittedly, I can't find any articles pertaining to such a case.
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
Okay, mytake... seems I missed something there.
Anything you can share as to the specifics of the case you refer to? Maybe an old LJW article that I missed?
Thanks! :)
Uhlrick_Hetfield_III (anonymous) says…
Biggs would have been perfect. I have mixed feelings about Judge Six, but the AG is an administrator, not really a field prosecutor, so his inexperience there shouldn't be a problem. Having been a judge, he should have some idea of what to look for when presenting a case and that should be a plus.
The accusations of sexism however are troubling given the experience we just had with another macho man. I think a wait and see is appropriate, but this appointment did nothing to change my feelings towards Sebelius.
fairylight (anonymous) says…
Congratulation Judge Six! Kansas can indeed now move forward. I doubt you can find more than a handful of people (well, anyone you'd care to consider) that have legitimate negative remarks related to Judge Six that are indeed truthful or of value.
"enforcer (Kathy Gragg) says:
Pudgy1 (Anonymous) says:
"Why can't the people who obviously don't like Judge Six explain why. Do you have good reasons, or do you just simply not like him "because."?"
Go back & research Pudge I have never hidden the reason why & I have indeed told him to his face."
mytake (anonymous) says…
Review Judge Six cases - Fall 2006.
Thank God Paul Morrison and his staff got the strangulation checklist and training sessions initiated when they did.
LawmomX3 (anonymous) says…
I have sat on a Jury in Judge Sixs court and I never witnessed any bias toward males or females. This was a sexual assault case with female and male attorneys, there was no biased either way. I feel Judge Six will be a positive addition to Kansas adminstration.
justfornow (anonymous) says…
americorps, You are no better then right-thinker. It's an opinion and his thoughts on the subject so back off and let him speak. I just watched Happy Gilmore and I love the character that would be off in the distance and yell jackass when he posted a comment, Whoops I meant swing the club, You know what I mean.
Informed (anonymous) says…
"I'm honestly just glad that the governor finally came around, found some time between Vogue photo shoots and Washington, D.C., cocktail parties to make an appointment," Morgan said.
I'm a very conservative Republican, but still think this was a cheap shot on Morgan's part.
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
It certainly wasn't very "Christian" of him, was it?
Or... maybe it was...
http://bluetiderising.blogspot.com/20...
Davenport (anonymous) says…
How is our democracy stronger when a political appointment goes to a political contributor?
From http://www.accesskansas.org/legislati...
sebelius, kathleen
04-04-2002 six, stephen 500.00 sebelius, kathleen
07-14-1998 six, stephen 100.00 sebelius, kathleen
10-07-1997 six, stephen 50.00 sebelius, kathleen
10-08-2002 six, stephen 250.00 sebelius, kathleen
10-15-1998 six, stephen 50.00 sebelius, kathleen
Somehow the information above was left out of today's press release (below).
But perhaps it's more "destiny" than money, since Democrat Stephen Six's father is Republican Fred Six, a retired Kansas Supreme Court Justice?
Does the former Supreme Court Justice believe such political contributions should not be scrutinized when a judicial appointment is made?
The Kansas press seems to ignore such political money, such as it did when a Judge ruled in Sebelius' favor but did not disclose his wife's contributions to Sebelius.
see http://www.kansasmeadowlark.com/2003/...
DaREEKKU (anonymous) says…
b3 (Anonymous) says:
"Remember he is against free speech for LJW posters."
This might be a good thing....some mornings I hurl up my breakfast when I scroll through articles and read some of the responses.
Yay establishment!
crackers (anonymous) says…
I was hoping judge Seven would have been named ag.
The Jayhawks are 17 and 0!
DavidR (anonymous) says…
b3 (Anonymous) says:
"Remember he is against free speech for LJW posters."
He was not against anyone's free speech. From what I read, he approved a Police request to find one person, so they could try to find out how a young man died. Nothing more. He surely would not have approved a search warrant if the Police did not have probable cause.
d_prowess (anonymous) says…
So because someone gives a total of only $950.00 over the course of 5 years to the campaign of the person that represents his party, he should not be allowed for possible job openings?
I don't know a thing about this guy, but I think suggesting that his small campaign donations got him this post is weak at best.
Ceallach (anonymous) says…
Rumor has it that Judge Six has a lawn service for his property but his mother has to mow her own grass.
stuckinthemiddle (anonymous) says…
Ceallach
~chuckle~
thank you...
HodgePodge (Erin Parmelee) says…
There's always the outside chance that Judge Six doesn't think much of irresponsible dog owners that let their violent, aggressive dogs run wild through the neighborhood; admittedly, I can't find any articles pertaining to such a case.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well I would hope not!!!
mytake (anonymous) says…
Lawmomx3
That's just my point - thank goodness for the jury. Jury selection doesn't start until a case is moved for trial. The "situation" I am referring to was way before jury selection and when only a few people were present. The ball was in his hand at that point - not the jury's.
mytake (anonymous) says…
At any rate - it's good to think positively and hopefully his new post will work out favorably for everyone and all the issues he will need to deal with.
blue73harley (anonymous) says…
ceal - I am glad you stepped forward with the real dirt on Six. ;-)
Like another poster, all I know is I sat on a jury and thought Six did a more than competent job.
dirkleisure (anonymous) says…
Davenport and Kansas Meadowlark are pro-public financed campaigns.
Davenport, when you and your pal Birdbrain decide to do the same "research" into contributors to Republican candidates, perhaps the two of you might be taken seriously.
Shardwurm (anonymous) says…
Are we going to have a parade for Six like we are for the football team?
janeyb (anonymous) says…
Christian Morgan sounded petty and jealous. Looked at the site provide by Agnostick. No wonder. Christian won't be shooting for GQ anytime soon.
Where does the good judge stand on the right to choose?
That is all we'll being hearing about for the next 3 years, as soon as Christian is done drooling over the Sebelious Vogue shoot. Put your tongue back in your mouth Christian!
BigAl (anonymous) says…
Kansas Republican Party executive director Christian Morgan said he didn't know much about Six.
"I'm honestly just glad that the governor finally came around, found some time between Vogue photo shoots and Washington, D.C., cocktail parties to make an appointment," Morgan said
************************************************************************
Absolutely and totally classless. I'm not surprised.
mytake (anonymous) says…
Of course Six did a great job with the Jury in the room.
Ceallach (anonymous) says…
Someone had to say it. You know, you can always tell a good boy by how he treats his momma. (Even if he rolls his eyes and feigns a scream behind her back :)
a_flock_of_jayhawks (anonymous) says…
mytake (Anonymous) says:
"Lawmomx3
That's just my point - thank goodness for the jury. Jury selection doesn't start until a case is moved for trial. The "situation" I am referring to was way before jury selection and when only a few people were present. The ball was in his hand at that point - not the jury's."
Consider this, mytake. If the judge does not set the bar high enough for the prosecution, then they practically guarantee grounds for an appeal. Remember also, innocent until proven guilty.
a_flock_of_jayhawks (anonymous) says…
Ceallach,
Maybe his mom likes to mow her own lawn or patronize the local kids looking to earn a few dollars. I happen to use a lawn service, too, so I think you're just pissing in the wind.
janeyb (anonymous) says…
Why does New Jersey have all the toxic waste dump sites and California has all the lawyers?
New Jersey got to choose first.
ontheotherhand (anonymous) says…
BigAl (Anonymous) says:
Kansas Republican Party executive director Christian Morgan said he didn't know much about Six.
"I'm honestly just glad that the governor finally came around, found some time between Vogue photo shoots and Washington, D.C., cocktail parties to make an appointment," Morgan said
************************************************************************
Absolutely and totally classless. I'm not surprised.
======
That's sort of what I was thinking, BigAl. Was that the dumbest response in the world or what? Here this person has a chance to say something intelligent and all that can come out of his mouth is something a 5th grader would say. Maybe he speaks a language his Party can understand. I dunno. . . .
DavidR (anonymous) says…
Enforcer wrote: Love the picture associated with this piece, reminds me of this one
http://z.about.com/d/crime/1/0/h/D/ma...
Kathy, is that a self-portrait?
fu7il3 (anonymous) says…
"Maybe he speaks a language his Party can understand. I dunno: ."
That's funny, I didn't see a single mention of Iraq, Alaskan oil drilling, or tax cuts.
kneejerkreaction (anonymous) says…
It took six to replace Paul Morrison?
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
Just found in the ol' email inbox.
Anyone else get the feeling poor Chrissy was picked on in grade school? :(
***********************************************************
For Immediate Release
January 18, 2008
Contact: Christian Morgan
Office: 785-234-3456
Mobile: 913-461-8681
Kansas Republican Party Chairman Kris Kobach comments on the
Governor's selection of Attorney General
"The appointment of Stephen Six comes as a surprising choice. Steve is a good attorney. Unfortunately, we do not know much about what his approach to law enforcement will be, because he has not held this sort of position before. However, there is no question that he will be a better Attorney General than Paul Morrison was."
"Republicans across Kansas hope that the new Attorney General will enforce the law in a nonpartisan way, will keep his mind on the job, and will restore dignity to the office. Unfortunately, his predecessor left him a lot of work to do in all of those respects."
"It would have been nice if the Governor had made her announcement sooner. The Attorney General's Office has been adrift for the past month, with no leadership in place. Meanwhile, Governor Sebelius has found time to do a recent fashion magazine photo shoot and has been auditioning with Democrats in Washington, DC, to give the Democratic response to the State of the Union. You would think she could have found some time on her schedule to attend to this extremely important matter sooner. Instead her national political ambitions once again took precedence over the needs of Kansas."
###
Valkyrie_of_Reason (Kathy Getto) says…
Congratulations to Judge Six. He will do a fine job. It always amazes me those that would pass judgment based on little or no knowledge. Of course, I suppose if a person came before Judge Six and was found guilty, or maybe lost a civil suit, they might hold a grudge.
"Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people." Eleanor Roosevelt
janeyb (anonymous) says…
Even if the governor asked Judge Six weeks ago, this is not a position to jump into without much consideration. We don't know when she asked him, just when he agreed to be announced. After all, he has a good position and moving into the AG office puts him up to be scrutinized by the looney right with their one note platform against a woman's right to choice what is best for her health.
He does have four young children which will make the right happy. He is being fruitful and multiplying.
Again, it is so sad to see the jealousy on the right to the governor's success in the Democrat party. Christian and Kris are like a pair of junior high girls. They are passing notes in study hall.
Newell_Post (anonymous) says…
Anyone know what "AG" stands for?
scroll down
.
.
.
Aspiring Governor..
mytake (anonymous) says…
When all of the elements of a crime in a criminal case, such as aggravated battery, have been met, don't you believe it is the Judge's duty to follow the letter of the law and assign the correct felony level?
It takes knowledge and wisdom to be a Judge and we should expect high standards of these individuals.
I hope none of you depend on a Judge when you have a loved one that is killed/raped/or disfigured. I hope none of you ever have to go through an experience like that.
We were lucky - it went to trial, the man was found guilty - the evidence overwhelming. It is ironic tho, the jury ensured the law was carried out and tougher on the criminal than this Judge.
That is why I question his appointment and fear for any other victims now that he is AG. Hopefully, he will be a strong leader.
purplesage (anonymous) says…
I know nothing about Judge Six. All of the whining about his leberalism and "softness" is, however, quite predctable. He's a Democrat, after all. (If the Gov. appointed him he must be prochoice.) ((If he hires a lawn service and his mother mows her own grass, it is undoubtedly a choice. His salary allows that luxury; her husband retired from the KS Supreme Court. They have the $.)
Yes, the comments about the Gov. being busy with photo shoots and cocktail parties was a cheap shot and it has nothing to do with the appointment of the AG. But then, photo shoots have nothing to do with being governor - and cocktail parties have a lot to do with advancing one's career, which appears to be the agenda for the Gov..
Remember - the people of this state elected Gov. Sebelius and her republocrat friends. We are only getting the government more than half of us voted for.
Nonetheless - I hope Mr. Six is successful in serving the state. The media took the legs out from beneath Mr. Kline and Mr. Morrison undid himself.
janeyb (anonymous) says…
Sebelius didn't get elected by just Democrats.--not in Kansas. Many Republicans had to prefer her over the GOP candidate--which helped her catch the attention of the National Dem. Party. So Rep. are as much to blame for her sucess as Dem. If Obama is the Dem Candidate, Sebelius has a huge chance of being the VP. Thank you Republicans.--and I really don't like her very much, but like Missouri it is just fun to see Rep. get smacked down.
And what a woman does with her womb is not the government's business, the loonie right's business, or some head-up-his-@ss man's business. It's her business. It can't get any clearer than that.
DavidR (anonymous) says…
Marion, is there anyone that you DO like?
Valkyrie_of_Reason (Kathy Getto) says…
DavidR (Anonymous) says:
Marion, is there anyone that you DO like?
____________________________________
Yes, David, there is - his name is Marion Lynn.
Valkyrie_of_Reason (Kathy Getto) says…
Ah, yes; autophobia.