TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Three federal judges are allowing the Kansas attorney general to participate in a redistricting lawsuit, but only so he can weigh in on fees sought by attorneys after the case ends.

Redistricting issues are before the federal court because Kansas lawmakers ended their session without drawing new maps for the state House and Senate, Board of Education and the four U.S. House districts.

The judges on Thursday rejected an attempt by two Democrats to block any participation by Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who says he wants to prevent the state from paying unreasonable fees.

The judges are allowing 27 individuals to participate in the case, along with Secretary of State Kris Kobach, the defendant, and Robyn Renee Essex, the Olathe resident who filed the case earlier this month.