Republican tries impeaching Gov. Nixon over same-sex tax returns

A Missouri House Republican wants to impeach Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon over his order that the state accept joint tax returns from legally married same-sex couples.

A resolution filed Thursday by Parkville Republican Nick Marshall states Nixon is guilty of “willful neglect of duty and misconduct in office.”

Missouri’s Constitution states marriages must be between a man and a woman to be valid and recognized.

Missouri’s tax code is tied to the federal government. Nixon said couples filing joint federal returns also must file joint state returns. Federal agencies determined legally married same-sex couples would be treated as married for tax purposes regardless of residence.

Nixon spokesman Scott Holste called the resolution a “publicity stunt” and says the governor is focused on education, jobs and health care.