Allegations of sexual coercion and harassment are now threatening to bring down yet another big political name, Republican Governor Eric Greitens of Missouri. On Wednesday, a legislative report was released that detailed all of the allegations against the first-term governor. One of the accusations is that Greitens “blindfolded and bound a woman to exercise equipment, spanked her, and tried to kiss her without her consent (NYT).”
.@GovRauner calls the credible findings against MO Gov Eric Greitens “terrible” and “very disturbing” and echoes calls for Greitens to step down. pic.twitter.com/CroeziVQCm
— Mark Maxwell (@MarkMaxwellTV) April 12, 2018
This report has led to bipartisan calls for Greitens to resign. Governor Bruce Rauner of Illinois has also called for Greitens to step down, saying that he was “deeply troubled” by the investigation’s findings, reports The Chicago Tribune. Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill has called on the governor to resign as have two women Representatives from Missouri’s Congressional delegation.
Greitens has remained steadfast in his refusal to give in to the pressure. “I will continue to serve the people of Missouri as their governor and to work for you every day. And they know, they need to know, that fake charges and falsehoods aren’t going to stop us,” Greitens declared. Next month, Greitens will stand trial on felony charges relating to another accusation that he took a nude phone of a woman, which he used as blackmail to keep their affair quiet.
Democrats are threatening to derail the 2018 legislative session if GOP leaders don't immediately begin the process of impeaching @EricGreitens https://t.co/YkBln856yM #MoLeg #GreitensReport
— Jason Hancock (@J_Hancock) April 12, 2018
No governor in Missouri’s history has ever been removed by impeachment. The whole case could also prove to be the downfall of the GOP’s hold on the state in the November elections.