GOP state senator appointed Missouri lieutenant governor

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP)   Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has appointed state Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Kehoe to be the lieutenant governor.

The move announced Monday carries some legal uncertainty because Missouri’s constitution isn’t clear on whether a governor has the authority to appoint a lieutenant governor. Historically, some governors have claimed the right to appoint a replacement. Lawmakers, though, have argued that the position must remain vacant until voters have a say because the two positions are elected separately.

The lieutenant governor’s office has been vacant since June 1, when former Gov. Eric Greitens resigned and Parson ascended to the top spot. Both Parson and Kehoe are Republicans.

Kehoe is a businessman who has represented parts of central Missouri in the state Senate since 2011.


   

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