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Mo. House bill would change vacancy appointees

Missouri voters could decide whether to change the way in which replacements are selected for vacancies in statewide offices.

A bill passed 94-57 Thursday by the House would curtail the governor's power to appoint people to openings in statewide offices such as attorney general or secretary of state.

When a vacancy occurs early in an officeholder's term, the governor would appoint a temporary replacement who would serve until a special election could be held. That person would not be eligible to run in the special election.

When a vacancy occurs near the end of an officeholder's term, the governor's appointee would serve until the term expires.

If also passed by the Senate, the legislation would go before voters in November.

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