Missouri Bill Mandates Elections to Fill Vacancies

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri House has given final approval to a bill that would mandate an election in the case of a vacancy in an elective state office below governor.

The bill carries a sense of urgency because Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder is among the favorites to become a candidate for Congress in southeast Missouri.

St. Louis Democrat Representative Stacey Newman tells bill sponsor Republican Representative Jason Smith that Republicans are trying to shove an unpopular bill down Democrats' throats.

"I disagree with you. I disagree with your purpose. I disagree with it being the first bill that we are hearing. We know it's a very timely issue."

Under Representative Smith's bill, the governor would appoint a person to fill the vacancy until a scheduled election day occurs. The person appointed by the governor would then be banned from running in the election.