Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback says he won’t resign until the U.S. Senate confirms his nomination for a ambassador’s post in the State Department.
Speaking to reporters after flipping a switch to light the Statehouse Christmas tree, Brownback said he – not Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer – was running state government.
“I’m the governor, I’m making the decisions," Brownback said.
The governor compared the situation to a relay, saying he’s working closely with Colyer to ensure a smooth hand off of power. But he says uncertainty about when the Senate will vote is complicating things.
“We’re really trying to work this as best we can given how long this is taking," he said. "I don’t think any of us anticipated that.”
Brownback said he still hopes to be confirmed before the start of the Kansas legislative session in early January.
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Jim McLean is managing director of KMUW's Kansas News Service, a collaboration of KMUW, Kansas Public Radio and KCUR covering health, education and politics in Kansas. Follow him on Twitter @jmcleanks.