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Photo by Richard Gwin

Lawrence native Stephen Six was sworn in as the Attorney General on Thursday, January 31, 2008.

Photo by Richard Gwin

Former Kansas Supreme Court Justice Fred Six congratulates his son, Lawrence native Stephen Six, left, after the younger Six was sworn in as Kansas attorney general Thursday at the Statehouse in Topeka. Also shown are Henry and Emily Six, two of Attorney General Six's four children.

TOPEKA — Family, public service and Lawrence roots were all evident Thursday as Stephen Six took over as Kansas attorney general.

"I promise to serve with integrity and independence as I face the challenges ahead," Six said during a ceremony in the Kansas Senate chamber.

His father, retired Kansas Supreme Court Justice Fred Six, administered the oath, while his wife, Betsy Brand Six, held the family Bible.

The Senate floor and gallery were packed with family, friends and political officials, including Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, former Gov. John Anderson, and former attorneys general Robert Londerholm and Bob Stephan.

Also attending was Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger and numerous legislators.

Six, 42, had been a state district court judge in Douglas County when he was chosen by Sebelius to replace Paul Morrison, who was elected attorney general in 2006. Morrison resigned last month in the wake of a sex scandal.

Six will serve the remainder of Morrison's term, which runs through 2010. Six has not said whether he will seek election, but indications are that he will.

In brief comments, Six made no mention of his political future, but talked about his family and colleagues who served as his role models.

They included his parents, Fred and Lillian Six, his wife, Betsy, 10th U.S. Circuit District Court Judge Deanell Tacha, and the Rev. Peter Luckey, senior pastor of Plymouth Congregational Church.

"I've had great examples, and I've tried to model my personal and professional life on the values I have learned," Six said.

Earlier, Six was introduced by Douglas County District Court Judge Robert Fairchild, who serves as chief judge of the seventh judicial district.

"As a district judge, Steve was known for both his careful and well thought-out decisions, and for treating all of the litigants who appeared before him with fairness and respect," Fairchild said. "He is a person who has compassion, intelligence and integrity. He epitomizes the best in our profession."

Six received his law degree from Kansas University in 1993, graduating second in his class. He then clerked for Tacha for one year before becoming a plaintiff's attorney for Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman of Kansas City, Mo.

He was appointed district court judge by Sebelius in 2005. Six and his wife have four children.

Six was elevated to his new position after Morrison admitted to having a two-year extramarital affair with a subordinate when he was Johnson County district attorney.

The woman, Linda Carter, is accusing Morrison of sexual harassment and ethical improprieties. He denies the allegations of harassment and improper conduct, but faces several investigations. Morrison said he resigned because his personal actions had damaged the office of attorney general.

After the swearing-in ceremony, Six's father, Fred Six, said, "My emotions were on a journey of delight."

Fred Six said he would offer his son advice when asked, but not before then. "I'm like an old corduroy coat in the closet," he said. "I'm there if he wants to pull me out and put me on."