Carla trades courtroom for quiet life, family
Marion native continues consumer advocacy
Staff reporter
Some might say former Kansas attorney general Carla Stovall followed her heart when she gave up her political career.
Carla, who served two terms as attorney general, was something of a celebrity in the state.
She was respected and trusted in her role as attorney general. She fought for the underdog and won. She particularly fought to protect the rights of children and those who couldn't defend themselves.
And nowhere in the state was Carla anymore trusted than in Marion County. But that's as it should be. After all, she was a local girl who made good.
The daughter of Carl and Juanita Stovall of rural Marion, Carla graduated from Marion High School in 1975, from Pittsburg State University in 1979 with a degree in social science, and the University of Kansas School of Law in 1982 with a law degree.
Carla's career began in a private law practice in 1982 in Pittsburg and she was elected Crawford County Attorney in 1985, serving until 1988.
In 1994, she ran and was elected Kansas Attorney General. She was re-elected with an overwhelming 76 percent in 1998.
While serving as attorney general, Carla was an advocate for all, especially children.
Carla was the proponent for stricter laws and more severe punishment pertaining to sexual predators.
She also won an important battle for Kansas water rights regarding an Arkansas River water dispute with Colorado.
The largest of all settlements was a $1.6 billion judgment and injunction to stop large tobacco companies from marketing their products to children.
She served as chairman of the Kansas Parole Board and president of the National Association of Attorneys General. She received the Kelley-Wyman award from her peers as outstanding attorney general in 2001.
Carla announced her candidacy for governor of Kansas in November 2001, in her hometown of Marion. Her running mate was Kent Glasscock, Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives.
In April of 2002, Carla announced she was dropping out of the race for governor, ending days of speculation about her political intentions.
Carla said in a news conference that she had developed a significant and serious relationship with Larry Steckline, but that had nothing to do with her decision.
She left the attorney general's office in 2003.
Carla and Larry, owner of Wichita-based Mid America Ag News Network, later married and she left Topeka for a ranch in Garden Plain.
Where is Carla now?
Carla hosts Fox Consumer Report at about 9:25 p.m. every Tuesday on Wichita television station Fox KSAS, local cable channel four. Wichita KWCH-12 produces the news shows, including Carla's consumer report feature.
The educational news feature provides useful information to consumers ranging from avoiding college scholarship scams to choosing the right nursing home.
Television station KWCH-12 senior producer Chad Cross said he is pleased that Carla is providing the feature.
"With her experience as former Kansas attorney general, Carla decides which topics are relevant to our viewers," said Cross. "With her credibility in Kansas, she is a valuable addition to our newscast. Carla is someone viewers know they can trust for important consumer information."
Future consumer features will include choosing a real estate agent and the pitfalls of short-term loans.
"There will never be a shortage of ideas because there are always new scams," Carla said. "There are things that an educated, wise consumer needs to know."
Carla also has a consumer information radio show at noon on KFTI 1070 AM Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Husband Larry can be found hosting an ag business segment on KWCH TV, at 7:10 a.m. Thursdays in addition to his operation of the Ag News Network.
"I serve as counsel to a lot of Larry's companies," said Carla.
The Stecklines also own Cherokee Queens, a dinner cruise boat, on Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, near Grove, Okla.
Still a consumer advocate, being mother and grandmother to Larry's family are her first priorities.
Larry has three adult children and nine grandchildren, with the oldest grandchild beginning college this fall and the youngest still in diapers.
"Greg works in the business, Anita (Cochran) is a news anchor (KSN channel 3), and Shasta is a school librarian and recently had a baby," Carla said. She said she got to be in the delivery room when the youngest was born which was an experience she'll never forget.
She doesn't pass up the opportunity to spend time with the children and babysits for the youngest on a regular basis.
Happy in her role as wife, mother, and grandmother, Carla said she does not have any designs on getting back into politics.
"I have always been grateful for the support at home," Carla said, "but I have no desire to re-enter public life."
Following her heart, Carla is content with her new life and family.
