NICHOLAS CLAYTON, Associated Press

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Senate has confirmed Kathryn Gardner to the state Court of Appeals.

The Senate confirmed Gardner on a 31-9 vote Wednesday. She was appointed by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback and previously served as the law clerk for U.S. District Judge Sam Crow since 2000.

She also spent 12 years as a practicing lawyer in Wichita and two years as an assistant state attorney general.

Republican Sen. Jeff King of Independence cast the only GOP vote against Gardner’s confirmation. After the Senate session, said he voted against her because he thought she was not sufficiently qualified compared to other potential nominees.

Brownback said in a statement after the vote that he was pleased with the Senate’s action and said Gardner will respect Kansas values on the bench.