TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — After Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback's nomination this summer to an ambassador's post, the fellow Republican destined to succeed him as governor ducked policy questions by declaring, "There's one governor at a time."

Four months later, some people in Kansas think they have two governors.

Brownback still holds the office as he waits for a Senate vote on his appointment. But he's backing away from his Kansas duties while Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer is stepping up.

As governor-in-waiting, Colyer is putting together a proposal for the next state budget. He's appointed one Cabinet member an...