Impeachment On The Minds Of Missouri Lawmakers

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Missouri lawmakers returned to the Statehouse Monday amid growing calls for Gov. Eric Greitens to step down. Greitens was indicted by a grand jury in St. Louis indicted last week for felony invasion of privacy after allegations he took a nude photo of a woman without her consent in March 2015.

The governor has admitted to having an extramarital affair, calling it a "deeply personal mistake" in a joint statement with his wife, Sheena. But he denied trying to blackmail his mistress.

The governor instead blamed a "reckless liberal prosecutor" for the case against him, accusing Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner of using her office to score political points. African-American activists turned out Monday to show support for Gardner, who is black, accusing the governor of racially-motivated attacks.

At a press conference Monday afternoon, lawmakers announced the formation of an investigatory committee, the first step in a process that could lead to impeachment.

Rep. Todd Richardson, the Republican speaker of the Missouri House, said lawmakers had worked over the weekend to put together a bipartisan fact-finding committee. "This committee will have every power it needs to get a full accounting of the facts," he said.

Rep. Jay Barnes, who will chair the committee, said the committee's purpose would be to determine the underlying facts of the indictment and the circumstances surrounding them, and that it would be fair, firm and timely in that undertaking.

Following the press conference, a group of a dozen Republican House members released a letter calling on the governor to resign, saying that he can no longer effectively lead the state or the party.

Lawmakers in both parties have been sharply critical of the governor over the past week.

"I cannot see how he could effectively perform the duties of his office, let alone to lead with the kind of moral authority needed to make a positive impact,” said Kansas City Republican Sen. Kevin Corlew.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Kehoe has said he also questions the governor's ability to lead, a sentiment expressed by several other Republicans.

Senate Democratic leader Gina Walsh said her thoughts are with the families affected by the governor's actions. "Too often, women in our state and nation are subject to intimidation, threats and even violence at the hands of those in power," she said. "No more. It's time our state takes a stand and ensures that women everywhere are able to seek the justice and equality they rightfully deserve."

Democratic state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, who represents St. Louis, said Greitens has to go. "Missourians thought they voted for a person of character and integrity, and instead they got a liar and alleged criminal."

Photo: Gov. Eric Greitens and his wife, Sheena, in 2011. (Larry Busacca/Entertainment/Getty Images)