LETTERS: GOVERNOR'S AUTHORITY DATES BACK A WAYS

To the editor:

I read that state Sen. Peter Kinder could not find in the Missouri Constitution the authority for a governor to appoint a lieutenant governor if that post were vacant.

Article IV, Section 4, states: "The governor shall fill all vacancies in public offices unless otherwise provided by law, and his appointees shall serve until their successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified."

This has been the law for at least 125 years. I hope this helps.

Judge Bill Hopkins

Marble Hill, Mo.