TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- A statewide nominating commission is interviewing 20 applicants for a seat on the Kansas Court of Appeals.

Among the candidates are Caleb Stegall, who is Gov. Sam Brownback's chief counsel, and Sedgwick County District Judge Tony Powell, a former member of the Kansas House.

The commission is holding interviews Tuesday and Wednesday. The panel will then select three finalists, from whom Brownback will make the appointment. Appellate judges in Kansas do not need confirmation from the state Senate.

The applicants are seeking to replace Judge Christel Marquardt, who plans to retire in January.

It will be Brownback's second appointment to the 13-member Court of Appeals.