Darrell Cope and the Missouri Democratic Party v. Michael L. Parson and Mike Kehoe

Darrell Cope and the Missouri Democratic Party ("MDP") appeal the circuit court's dismissal of a petition seeking a declaratory judgment that Governor Michael L. Parson's appointment of Mike Kehoe to the office of Lieutenant Governor was unauthorized, per § 105.030. 1 The circuit court concluded Cope and the MDP had no standing to bring this action, private citizens lack the authority to seek the removal of a public official through litigation and that the Governor of Missouri has the authority to appoint a Lieutenant Governor in the event of a vacancy. The circuit court's judgment is…