Supreme Court of Missouri / Apr 16, 2019
Darrell Cope and the Missouri Democratic Party, Appellants, vs. Michael L. Parson and Mike Kehoe, Respondents.
Darrell Cope and the Missouri Democratic Party challenged Governor Michael L. Parson's appointment of Mike Kehoe as Lieutenant Governor, arguing it was unauthorized under state law. The circuit court dismissed their petition, finding no standing and that the Governor had appointment authority. The Supreme Court of Missouri reversed in part, holding that Cope had taxpayer standing, but affirmed that the Governor possessed the constitutional authority to fill the vacancy, and that the action was not an advisory opinion.