Gov. Sam Brownback says he’s close to naming a new Kansas secretary of commerce after his previous choice dropped out. Brownback says he has narrowed it down and interviewed three candidates. Now, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is conducting background checks.
“We’ve had some good candidates come forward," Brownback says. "That KBI background (check) takes a long time. I wish it didn’t take so long because that would be very helpful for us if we could get those moving through faster."
Brownback had previously selected Leawood businessman George Hansen to fill the job of commerce secretary. Hansen dropped out the day before his confirmation hearing, citing a possible conflict of interest. He said one of his relatives has had extensive business dealings with the Kansas Department of Commerce.
