Senators talk lieutenant governor vacancy law amid governors’ indictment

Missouri senators are considering changing how the lieutenant governor’s replacement is chosen amid calls for Republican Gov. Eric Greitens to leave office, which would put Lt. Gov. Mike Parson in charge.

Senators on Wednesday debated a proposal to require the governor to call a special election to fill a vacancy in the lieutenant governor’s office. No vote was taken.

The debate came after Greitens last week was indicted by a St. Louis grand jury on one felony count of invasion of privacy related to his 2015 extramarital affair. The House also has formed a committee to investigate.

Republican Sen. Bob Dixon says the governor now can’t appoint a replacement or call a special election to fill the lieutenant governor’s seat if it becomes vacant. So if Parson leaves office to become governor, the lieutenant governor’s seat would remain empty for the remainder of the term.