Missouri Democratic Party sues to block appointment of Lt. Gov. Kehoe
The Missouri Democratic Party filed a suit in Cole County circuit court Monday night to block the appointment of Mike Kehoe as lieutenant governor.
“I fought Nazis in World War II to defend our freedoms, including our freedom to elect our leaders.” said lead plaintiff Darrell Cope. “I don’t need Republican politicians picking the state Veterans Advocate in back room deals. I want an opportunity to vote for my Lieutenant Governor, and as a World War II combat veteran I’ve earned that right.”
Missouri Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber said, “As a State Senator, Mike Parson voted to hold an election in this exact situation. It’s disappointing that Parson is willing to abandon his beliefs to grab more power for his political buddies.”
The suit reopens a longstanding legal debate over whether the governor has the power to appoint a lieutenant governor. The debate has had multiple bills swirling around making a final decision of who has the power, but none have been placed into law.
The two offices are elected separately in the state, and the Missouri constitution does not clearly say who succeeds the position.
The suit asks the Cole County Circuit Court to deem Parson’s appointment action illegal.
Republican Gov. Mike Parson appointed former Republican Senate Majority Floor Leader Kehoe as the state’s lieutenant governor Monday. Kehoe took the oath of office right after Parson announced his appointment.
During Parson’s announcement he said, “It is necessary and within my authority to appoint the next lieutenant governor.”
Parson received support from former Democratic Governor Jay Nixon. Nixon said, “Firmly believet he Governor has the authority to fill a vacancy in this office by appointment.”
The lieutenant governor’s office was empty June 1, when Parson took over as Governor of Missouri after former Gov. Eric Greitens resigned amid multiple scandals.
