TOPEKA (AP) – Kris Kobach and other Kansas officials who want the state to crack down on illegal immigration acknowledge they need more than a favorable ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court.

Backers of tough immigration measures must overcome opposition from influential business groups and a rift among the Republicans who control the Legislature.

Kobach, a Republican serving as Kansas secretary of state, said he was encouraged by comments made by U.S. Supreme Court justices last week, suggesting they’d uphold a tough Arizona law that Kobach helped draft.

But he and his allies believe legislative elections this year – which could change the Legislature’s makeup – will be crucial.

The GOP split over immigration has prevented legislation from passing this year. Lawmakers don’t expect that to change before they adjourn in mid-May.