JOHN HANNA, AP Political Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An aggressive push to unseat a majority of the Kansas Supreme Court in Tuesday’s election has increased scrutiny of the commission that would screen applicants bidding to replace ousted justices.

Supporters of the four targeted justices say it’s an attempt by conservatives to give Republican Gov. Sam Brownback control of the seven-member court.

The ouster effort’s leaders have countered by pointing to the Supreme Court Nominating Commission’s role in replacing any justice. The nine-member commission would screen applicants and name three finalists for each vacancy for the governor to consider.

Five commission members are lawyers elected by other lawyers.

The debate over removing the four targeted justices comes amid a backlash against the term-limited governor and his allies over the state’s ongoing budget problems