Hundreds gather in Topeka to protest immigration laws, and question the duties of Secretary of State Kris Kobach.
The group Kansans United in Voice and Spirit are concerned about proposals from Republican Gov. Sam Brownback to change the state's school finance formula, income tax structure and social service programs.
The group is also concerned about Kobach's initiatives on voter registration and immigration. Kobach is a former law professor who helped draft tough immigration laws in Alabama and Arizona.
Another group Kansas Counts is asking to see Kobach's time sheets, schedule and phone records. They have questions about his job performance. According to the state's website, the Secretary of State performs numerous duties related to the administration of statewide elections, business entities and the uniform commercial code.
Protestors question if Kobach is fulfilling those duties, while also staying actively involved in illegal immigration issues.
They cite examples like Tuesday, when Kobach testified as a private citizen before lawmakers against a bill that would help find jobs for illegal workers. Kobach's travels to other states to help author tough immigration laws and speak out on the issue have also come under fire.
To get a better feel for the job, we talked to former Secretary of State Chris Biggs. He served before Kobach. Biggs says he never traveled out of state during his year in office, and says he tried to remain non-political.
"Essentially being the referee for the elections, I think the more political the position is, the more it can potentially detract from that role," Biggs said.
Kobach has taken a different approach to the job. After this protest, we may soon learn more about Kobach's day to day duties.
Eyewitness News talked to Kris Kobach late Wednesday afternoon. He says he works 40 to 60 hours a week in the Secretary of State office. Kobach says he only speaks out on illegal immigration during his spare time, mostly on weekends. Something he said he would continue to do during his campaign for office.
