Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, who once aspired for national office, has announced he will resign after months of swirling controversy surrounding an extramarital affair and subsequent investigations about his campaign finances.
Greitens said Tuesday afternoon from his office in Jefferson City that he will step down at 5 p.m. on Friday. The move will elevate Lt. Gov. Mike Parson, a former Republican state lawmaker, to the governors office.
I came to office to fight for the people of Missouri, to fight for the forgotten, Greitens said. I love Missouri. And I love our people. That love remains.
Parson said he was actually out at the farm when he learned the news that hed soon be governor.
Right now were still trying to kind of just grasp everything like everybody else is, and were just going to have to figure that out right now, Parson said as he entered the state Capitol Tuesday evening. Gov. Greitens is still the governor of the state of Missouri and Im the lieutenant governor, and were gonna function that way until Friday as the time comes.
Republican leaders pleased to see Greitens go
Within minutes of Greitens announcement, reactions came pouring in.
Most of those early statements came from Republicans. And none of them regretted his decision.
House Speaker Todd Richardson who had called for Greitens to resign weeks ago led the trio of state House GOP leaders who praised Greitens action: We believe the governor has put the best interest of Missourians first today by choosing to resign. The past few months have been difficult for everyone involved, including the governor and his family. This is a serious and solemn occasion that reminds us that our state and our duty are bigger than any one person or party
Politically, state Republican leaders have seen Greitens months-long battle to keep his job as hurting the partys chances in November especially those of state Attorney General Josh Hawley, who is the likely Republican challenger to incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Claire Mc-Caskill.
That helps explain why Hawley weighed in within minutes of the governors press conference.
Gov. Greitens has done the right thing today, Hawley said. I wish incoming Gov. Mike Parson well, and stand ready to assist him in his transition. This offices work for the people of Missouri goes forward.
State Republican Party chairman Todd Graves made clear that he hopes the political cloud cast by Greitens troubles will recede in time for the fall election.
The Missouri Republican Party looks forward to working with Mike Parson to defend our veto-proof majorities in the House and Senate, Graves said, in part. In addition, a united Republican Party will now focus on our number one goal: retiring Claire McCaskill from the United States Senate.
Late Tuesday, Mc-Caskill issued a statement that did not mention Greitens: I wish Lt. Governor Parson the best. I look forward to working with him. She and her allies had been accusing Hawley for weeks of going too soft on the governor.
