Pastors, Kline push Tiller case in Kansas Legislature

[proud2BlibKansan]

Pastors, Kline push Tiller case in Kansas Legislature
The Associated Press

WICHITA | Former Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline joined a coalition of pastors today in calling for the Legislature to use a little-known statute to order the new attorney general to prosecute a Wichita abortion provider.

Kline told reporters separately before the pastors’ news conference that he was invited by the group to attend, but that the legislative effort comes from them. Kline, now district attorney in Johnson County, said his role was to help the pastors understand the issues and to provide a general overview of the law.

“I don’t think it is right to be let go,” Kline said of the case against George Tiller, noting that two judges had found there was probable cause that a crime has been committed.

While still attorney general, Kline filed 30 misdemeanor charges in December alleging illegal late-term abortions had been conducted at Tiller’s clinic. Those charges were dismissed after Sedgwick County District Attorney Nola Foulston objected on jurisdictional grounds. Incoming Attorney General Paul Morrison declined to pursue the charges.

more ...
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/breaking_news/16911567.htm

[Mabus]

1. You'd think Kline would take time out for his own legal problems (gratuitous profanity in answer)

What an asshole.

On the bright side: Kline wasn't in his Johnson County office fucking things up.

[pstokely]

2. Can he be recalled?

[atommom]

3. Many of us want to, but it would be difficult.

Here's a previous post about it.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=153&topic_id=6619&mesg_id=6619

[Mabus]

4. And, there are some time limits

Because he was selected to fill the rest of Morrison's term, Kline is only in office for two years. I can't remember the exact time limits but there was something like a three-month "grace period" at the beginning of his term where he wouldn't be subject to a recall. On the back end, there is something like a six-month period at the end of the term when such an action cannot be initiated. Once a petition is initiated there are time limits to collect the signatures. Not to mention that Kline has to take an action that fulfills the reasons for a recall petition to be filed.

But, I can still hope.

[blue_kansas1]

5. Can the Clinic sue the pastors?

You know, it would be interesting if the clinic or doctor were to sue the pastors individually for obstructing them, violating their civil rights, whatever. Even if unwinnable, the suits would still cost them(and/or their donators) money and might help disincentivize this sort of thing. Any lawyers out there?

Blue in Kansas