Missouri Supreme Court Backs Governor's Prosecutor Appointment

The Missouri Supreme Court has declined to review a ruling that allows Governor Mike Parson to appoint the St. Louis County prosecutor, solidifying his choice of Melissa Price Smith over County Executive Sam Page's preferred candidate, Cort Van Ostran. This decision follows a month-long legal battle, with the courts determining that the prosecuting attorney is a state officer, thus giving the governor the authority to appoint them. The ruling was expedited due to the imminent resignation of Wesley Bell, who is transitioning to Congress. Judge John Torbitzky emphasized that the Missouri Constitution grants the governor appointment powers, overriding county charter provisions. Page and his legal team argued that historically, prosecuting attorneys have been treated as county officers. However, the court's decision grants Smith the position, as she is set to be sworn in, succeeding Bell.