(AP) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback is considering releasing the names of applicants for a new seat on the state Court of Appeals.

Brownback spokeswoman Eileen Hawley said Tuesday the Republican governor had not made a final decision, however.

The governor’s office had said previously that it wouldn’t release the names. Then, Hawley said Tuesday that Brownback had changed his position because wants the focus to be on appointing a high-quality judge to the state’s second highest-court.

Later in the day, Hawley revised that statement, saying she had been premature in announcing that the governor had decided to release the names.

Brownback had faced criticism for not releasing them.

Under a selection process enacted this year, the governor will appoint judges to the court of appeals, subject to state Senate confirmation.