Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s critics are not mollified by his latest statement outlining why he won’t release the names of applicants for a new Kansas Court of Appeals seat.

Brownback said Thursday that releasing the names would discourage some qualified applicants from coming forward.

The League of Women Voters of Kansas had pushed the governor’s office to release the names. President Dolores Furtado said the group is “profoundly disappointed.”

The new judge will be chosen under a selection process in effect this month. The governor will make the appointment, subject to Senate confirmation.

Previously, a nominating commission screened applicants and named three finalists, with no role for lawmakers after the governor’s appointment.

Kansas Values Institute Executive Director Ryan Wright said Brownback has “closed off” scrutiny of the appointment.