Gov. Parkinson Close To Naming Sec. Of State

Kansas could have a new secretary of state next week to replace Republican Ron Thornburgh, who resigned Feb. 15.

Gov. Mark Parkinson says Friday that he could name Thornburgh’s replacement next week.

The Kansas Constitution requires the governor to replace a statewide elected official to finish an unexpired term. Kansans will elect a new secretary of state in November.

Parkinson isn’t bound by Thornburgh’s party affiliation and could name a Democrat to fill the vacancy.

His predecessor, Kathleen Sebelius, picked Democrat Dennis McKinney to replace Republican Lynn Jenkins after she was elected to Congress in 2008.

There is no deadline for Parkinson to fill the vacancy in the agency. The appointment doesn’t require legislative approval.