Kelly could be forced to replace commerce chief over abortion controversy

Governor Laura Kelly could be forced to replace Kansas’ top business development official because of an abortion controversy.

Acting state Commerce Secretary David Toland has no role in regulating abortion providers. Yet he is under fire because of two small grants received by a local economic development group he previously ran.

The grants were from a fund named for the late Dr. George Tiller. He was a Kansas physician who performed late-term abortions.

The Republican-dominated Senate is expected to vote on his appointment next week, and it refuses to confirm him, he will have to step down from the Cabinet post he’s held since Kelly took office in January.

Some GOP lawmakers already wanted to oust Toland and now have the backing of the state’s most influential anti-abortion group.