O’Neal v. Davis in lawsuits

House Democratic Leader Paul Davis of Lawrence has, with other Democrats, filed a complaint against House Speaker Mike O’Neal, R-Hutchinson, alleging that O’Neal, an attorney, has created a conflict of interest by representing businesses and trade groups in a lawsuit against the state.

O’Neal has said he has complied with the law. He said his work in the lawsuit is similar to Davis’ law firm, which has a lawsuit challenging the state’s caps on medical malpractice awards. The firm Davis is part of — Skepnek Fagan and Davis — represents Amy Miller, of Eudora, in the case.

“Paul Davis’ firm has a case challenging the caps. There’s nothing wrong with that,” O’Neal said.

Davis says there are differences between the two situations. Davis said his partners represented Miller before he joined the firm, and he is not the attorney of record in the case.

And, he said, the defendant in O’Neal’s case is the state of Kansas, while the defendant in the Miller case is a doctor. Also, he said, O’Neal’s clients are “a group of special interests who try to influence legislation.” Miller is seeking damages after the wrong ovary was removed, Davis said.

Rally for school funding

Supporters of public school funding say they are expecting about 1,000 people to rally at the Statehouse on Tuesday.

Teachers organizing the event say the lineup of speakers includes Gov. Mark Parkinson, Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton, and state Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, who is running for governor.

The theme of the rally is: “We want what’s right. Not what’s left.”

3 governors and a news conference

Kansas’ current governor, Mark Parkinson, and two former governors, Mike Hayden and Bill Graves, will be on hand for an event today on highways.

The 10:30 a.m. news conference will deal with a new report on the nation’s road systems.

Hayden is currently secretary of the Kansas Department of Parks and Wildlife, while Graves is president and chief executive officer of the American Trucking Associations in Washington, D.C. While in office, both initiated comprehensive highway plans.

The news conference will be at the Kansas Department of Transportation maintenance complex at 101 Gage Blvd. in Topeka.

Son of K2

Gov. Mark Parkinson last week signed into law a bill outlawing chemicals found in K2, which some had been smoking to get high.

But Don Gregg, the owner of the Cornerstone Gift Shop in Hutchinson, is selling different herbal blends that don’t have the same chemicals as K2. KSN.com reports that Gregg is saying the other blends — called Maui Hybrid and Hawaiian Haze — are so popular, he can’t keep them in stock.

Quote of the week

If you are really trying to cripple an agency, I think you are on the way to doing that.”

— Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, speaking against a proposal to slash the Kansas Health Policy Authority budget

What’s next

• Informational presentation on medical marijuana before House Health and Human Services Committee, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Room 784, Docking Building

• Hearing on Senate Bill 567, imposing soda tax, at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday before Senate Assessment and Taxation, Room 152-South in Capitol.