A Kansas judge ruled today that five teams
appointed by Governor-elect Kathleen Sebelius did not fall under
the state Open Meetings law. So the groups reviewing state
government could legally meet in secret.

Shawnee County District Judge Eric Rosen said Sebelius won't
have the full powers of the governor's office until she takes
office January 13th. His decisions aid the so-called Sunshine Law
generally requires government boards and commissions to hold public
meetings.

Sebelius argued successfully that her transition office is not a
government agency. Rosen rejected the contention of the attorney
general's office that Sebelius is a private citizen until she is
inaugurated. However, the judge said she clearly is not yet the
governor.

Fourteen news organizations, including The Associated Press,
sued Sebelius and her transition office.