Topeka ? Kansas’ labor secretary and three lower-court judges are seeking a seat on the state Court of Appeals.

The vacancy was created by the death last month of Judge Jerry Elliott.

Labor Secretary Jim Garner was among 18 attorneys who applied by Wednesday’s deadline.

Other applicants include Shawnee County District Judge David Bruns (bruhns), Cloud County Magistrate Guy Steier (STY’-er) and Presiding Municipal Judge Karen Arnold-Burger, of Overland Park.

A judicial nominating commission will interview the applicants May 27 and 28. The commission will forward the names of three finalists to Gov. Mark Parkinson, who will make the appointment.