VERNON COUNTY, Mo. — The Missouri Court of Appeals has ruled in a precedent-setting case that pits Republicans against Republicans.
The justices dismissed the appeal, leaving in place an order that would allow the candidates to remain on the August ballot.
The opinion states the issue is moot because state law is clear and candidates cannot be added or removed from the ballot less than eight weeks before an election.
At issue was the Vernon County Republican Committee’s vetting process.
Jasper County Judge Gail Crane issued an order saying the Vernon County clerk must get a receipt from the Republican Committee before placing a candidate on the ballot.
Essentially, the lower court said it is the Republican committee that decides who will be the nominee, not the voters.
In today’s ruling, the justices noted that the issue may be litigated again, and that while the case was dealt with quickly because it involves voter rights, lower courts have historically always dealt with such matters quickly.
Today’s opinion means the issue is not resolved, and Republican committee members could try again in the future.
Vernon County’s vetting process is intended to determine who is a “Republican” worthy of appearing on the ballot as that party’s candidate.
