Former Kan. 4th candidate to make endorsement

By JOHN HANNA

Associated Press Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Anti-abortion legislators in Kansas are pushing again to rewrite a state law regulating late-term procedures.

Several lawmakers said Tuesday they're focusing on proposals to increase reporting requirements for abortions after the 21st week of pregnancy.

They want to compel doctors to disclose the exact medical diagnosis justifying a late-term abortion. Kansas law allows abortion of a viable fetus after the 21st week only to save the mother's life or prevent major and permanent damage to her health.

Three senators and three House members planned to meet Thursday to discuss drafting new legislation. They hope for quick up-or-down votes on their proposal in both chambers.

Sen. Pat Apple, a Louisburg Republican, said backers of the new legislation are hoping to have enough support in both chambers to override a possible veto by Gov. Mark Parkinson.

Last year, the reporting requirements were included in a bill that would have allowed patients or their families to sue doctors over potentially illegal abortions.

The measure was vetoed in April 2009 by then-Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who questioned whether the bill was constitutional.

Parkinson spokesman Seth Bundy said the governor would closely review any legislation sent to him by lawmakers.

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4th DISTRICT RACE: A state senator who dropped his congressional bid because of his wife's health plans to endorse another candidate in the race.

Republican Dick Kelsey of Goddard scheduled a news conference Wednesday to announce which candidate he'll back in the 4th Congressional District.

Rep. Todd Tiahrt is giving up the House seat to run for U.S. Senate.

Seeking the Republican nomination are businessman and retired pilot Jim Anderson, oilman Willis "Wink" Hartman, manufacturing executive Mike Pompeo and state Sen. Jean Schodorf. All four are from Wichita.

Two Democrats are also running. They are state Rep. Raj Goyle and retired court services officer Robert Tillman, both from Wichita.

Kelsey dropped out of the race earlier this month after his wife was diagnosed with a heart condition.

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UNDER THE DOME: Tuesday was the 65th day of the Legislature's annual session, out of 90 scheduled.

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On the Net:

Kansas Legislature: http://www.kslegislature.org