JEFFERSON CITY — On Tuesday afternoon, Missouri Governor Eric Greitens resigned, effective Friday.
After the announcement was made, reaction came in from leaders and lawmakers across the state.
St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner(D)
The last several months have been difficult for all Missourians, not just those of us embroiled in these legal matters. In January, I opened an investigation in search of the truth. I believe it is essential for residents of the City of St. Louis and our state to have confidence in their leaders. I know my decision to charge Mr. Greitens in February and March with two felonies was met with both praise and criticism. As a prosecutor, my decisions must be based upon facts and evidence, regardless of the position or power of the accused. While that may have been unpopular at times, that’s my job.
I have been in contact with the Governor’s defense team over the past several days. We have reached a fair and just resolution of the pending charges. We will provide more information tomorrow.
I want to thank the individuals who have cooperated with these investigations over the past few months in our search for the truth, particularly those who were willing to stand up to power regardless of how stormy some days were.
House Speaker Todd Richardson(R), Speaker Pro Tem Elijah Haahr(R), and Majority Floor Leader Rob Vescovo(R)
“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.
The House stands ready to help ensure a smooth transition of power to Governor Parson. The hallmark of democracy is that our public service is temporary. Missouri has been blessed with an unbroken line of men and women in public service who have worked to make our state better, and the work of the many dedicated public servants, who work tirelessly for the people of Missouri, will continue.
The responsibility the House undertook with its investigation is not a path any of us would have chosen, but it is one we were obligated to pursue in an effort to do what is best for our state. We want to thank the members of the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight for the serious and professional manner in which they went about their task. We also want to thank the staff for the countless hours and sacrifices they made.
As public servants, our solemn duty is to put the best interests of the people of this great state first in every decision we make. The Governor’s decision today honors that duty and allows Missouri to move forward toward a better tomorrow.”
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R)
"The governor made the best decision for his family and the state. I look forward to Gov. Parson's leadership and will do everything I can to be helpful."
U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill(D)
“I wish Lt. Governor Parson the best. I look forward to working with him.”
Rep. Shamed Dogan (R-Ballwin)
Republican Rep. Shamed Dogan of Ballwin called for Governor Greitens to resign months ago, but still says Tuesday was a somber one.
“Unfortunately, I think with everything that was revealed through this investigative process, I think it was the right call for the Governor,” Dogan told 5 On Your Side in an interview Tuesday night.
Dogan says he was surprised by the fact Greitens doubled down on his assertion that this was a giant witch hunt.
“You don’t resign if you’re completely innocent. Unless you’re facing potential criminal charges or facing potential jail time. So that part I was a little disappointed in, that he wasn’t a little bit more contrite or a little bit more humble,” he said.
He says he does not believe criminal charges should proceed against the soon-to-be-former Governor. He believes losing the office is punishment enough.
Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis)
Democratic State Senator Jamliah Nasheed of St. Louis says the Governor’s resignation was long overdue.
“It’s been a cloud over the state of Missouri and I’m glad it’s about to be over,” said Nasheed in an interview with 5 On Your Side Tuesday.
She is looking forward to working with Lt. Governor Mike Parson.
“Yes, the philosophical differences are there with myself and him being that we are of different parties. However, he is a man that truly understands that politics is about finding a common cause and a common purpose,” she says.
Senator Nasheed has served with Parson for more than 11 years and has seen first hand how he’s willing to work across the aisle.
“He was the one who gave me a hearing to actually give local control back to the St. Louis area for the police department,” says Nasheed.
Mayor Lyda Krewson (D)
St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger(D)
U.S. Congresswoman Ann Wagner(R)
“Governor Eric Greitens has made the right decision for his family and for the State of Missouri. Now is the time for us to move forward, and I have faith in our next Governor, Mike Parson, to lead us in the months and years to come.”
Missouri State Senator Gina Walsh (D)
“Innocent people don’t resign and criminals don’t get let off the hook simply because they cut and run. Missourians deserve to know what laws were broken, what lies were told, and how deep the corruption went.”
U.S. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (R)
“I have been disturbed by the allegations surrounding Governor Greitens over the past few months. This has been a distraction for our entire state and undermined his ability to lead. I am hopeful we can quickly put this behind us and Missouri can move forward under new leadership.”
Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley (R)
“Governor Greitens has done the right thing today. I wish incoming Governor Mike Parson well, and stand ready to assist him in his transition. This Office’s work for the people of Missouri goes forward.”
Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway(D)
"Corruption in state government became worse than ever under Eric Greitens. That corruption must be cleaned up, and our state's reputation must be restored. This can only happen if leaders put the needs of Missourians ahead of themselves."
Missouri Treasurer Eric Schmitt(R)
“Now is the time for the people of Missouri to come together and work toward a better future for our state. My focus is on helping to ensure a smooth transition of power so that state government can continue to serve Missourians without interruption. To that end, my office will be actively working with partners across state agencies and departments to help facilitate the transition process.”
Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard(R)
“The last five months have been trying times for our state. Relationships were strained, and bonds were tested. When the governor took office in January of 2017, I had very high hopes. I believed we were on the path to building a better Missouri. This is not the position I imagined we would be in nearly 16 months later. However, I do believe the governor made the right decision.
The governor’s office is bigger than one person. Missouri is strong. Just this session, the Legislature set the framework for greater economic growth. I have full confidence that Lt. Governor Mike Parson and other leaders across the state will continue building a better Missouri, while leading with conservative values. I can assure you, no matter what happens next, Missouri is in good hands.”
Majority Floor Leader Mike Kehoe(R)
“The governor’s announcement marks the conclusion to a drama that has drawn on for far too long. It is regrettable the state of Missouri is in this position, but far more regrettable would have been for this spectacle to continue to drag on.
For all practical purposes, Missouri has been without a governor for the last five months, with the President Pro Tem and the Speaker of the House leading the state in the governor’s absence. Our founding fathers designed a system of government to ensure Missouri is more than one individual, and this will be proven true again in the coming weeks and months.”
Mark Mantovani, Democratic Candidate for St. Louis County Executive
"Eric Greitens made the right decision in announcing his resignation as Governor today. I hope we can all now move forward. I look forward to serving the people of St. Louis County and working with the new Governor."
