By Scott Rothschild — Lawrence Journal-World

January 30, 2011

Topeka — As Secretary of State Kris Kobach tries to put in place more rules before a Kansan can vote, his associations are being highlighted by critics of his effort.

The Southern Poverty Law Center earlier this month released a report focusing on Kobach’s legal and advocacy work to pass measures in cities and states that Kobach says are designed to combat illegal immigration.

But the law center, a nonprofit civil rights group based in Birmingham, Ala., says his proposals are misguided, have led to expensive legal challenges and have stirred up racial tensions.

“Behind all of this stands one man: Kris Kobach, a former Kansas City law professor who was just elected Kansas secretary of state,â€