Phill Kline hasn’t been replaced. But John Davis, a senior-to-be at Tonganoxie High School, was voted attorney general last week at the American Legion Boys State in Manhattan.

Davis beat out 34 other youths who campaigned for the job.

In the primaries, Davis was selected among 19 Nationalist Party members. And in the general election, Davis beat out Federalist Party member Brett Lundmark, who is from Lawrence.

Davis said when filling out applications for Boys State, participants had to answer whether they were in favor of affirmative action.

Those against affirmative action were placed in the conservative Federalist Party, while those who voted for affirmative action were designated as liberal Nationalist Party members. Davis was for affirmative action and subsequently became a Nationalist.

“I felt really good about it,” Davis said about being elected. “I was really excited.”

Boys State started June 11 on the Kansas State University campus. June 12, Davis campaigned for the primaries as part of a “whistle-stop tour” for the primary election. The candidates made their way through various floors in Kansas State University residence halls, campaigning to members of their respective parties.

During the general election, which was June 13, Davis squared off against his Federalist opponent in an actual debate.

Davis won the election, taking one of six state offices. He was the only Nationalist elected to a state office. The other five — governor, state treasurer, secretary of state, commissioner and lieutenant governor — were held by Federalists.

As attorney general, Davis reviewed city and county ordinances to determine whether they were constitutional. In addition, he prosecuted in court and worked with other government officials on budgetary issues.

“In general I found it to be a very comprehensive, albeit not a 100 percent portrayal of a government,” Davis said.

At THS, Davis is involved in forensics and debate, as well as cross country and track. The incoming senior isn’t certain what he will major in when college nears, but he’s pretty certain he would like to be involved in politics at some point.

“Looking at college I’m not really sure yet, politics maybe later in life,” Davis explained. “I don’t think that’s the first thing I have to do.

“I always see myself as being politically active in some way though.”

Last week, Davis nabbed a quick taste of political life.

“I really met a lot of people as I would consider as good contacts and good friends really,” Davis said.