Democrats want Missouri Supreme Court to decide lieutenant governor question
BRANSON MO NEWS: JEFFERSON CITY • Democrats in Missouri want the state’s highest court to weigh in on whether Gov. Mike Parson had the authority to appoint a new lieutenant governor.In an appeal filed Tuesday, the party and Hartville resident Darrell Cope said they believe state law intended for the lieutenant governor post to remain empty if it is vacated.Parson, a Republican, was lieutenant governor until June 1 when he took over for Eric Greitens, who quit amid multiple scandals.
Last week, Circuit Judge Jon Beetem said the Democrats lawsuit alleging the appointment was illegal failed on a number of legal fronts, including whether private citizens can try to get rid of officeholders through the courts.In his ruling, Beetem said the No. 2 post in state government was too important to leave vacant until the next election.
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The judge also rejected the party’s assertion that it had the ability to bring the case based on the assumption that Kehoe might run for a full term in the office in 2020, making it harder to elect a Democratic candidate.In the appeal, Democrats say there are numerous examples of the office being left vacant after its occupant has left or died dating to the 1820s.In 1960, for example, Lt. Gov. Edward Long was appointed to a seat in the U.S. Senate. His former office stayed vacant until 1961 when Hilary Bush was elected to the position.
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