Missouri governor fighting allegations

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Facing mounting calls to resign following sexual misconduct allegations, Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens appears to be taking a cue from President Donald Trump as he fights for his political survival amid a #MeToo movement that has felled dozens of other prominent politicians and public figures.

Referencing events in Washington, D.C., Greitens is using similar wording as Trump to denounce accusations of unwanted sexual aggression as “lies” and “fake charges” and the investigations into his alleged wrongdoing as a “political witch hunt.”

Trump has thus far survived. But reaction from fellow Republicans indicates Greitens may have a more difficult time — in part, because Trump’s moral shortcomings were known to voters before his election, whereas Greitens had cultivated a campaign persona of an all-American hero.

On Thursday, Missouri Senate Majority Leader Mike Kehoe became the highest-ranking Republican state lawmaker calling for Greitens to immediately resign following the release of a legislative report detailing testimony from a woman who said Greitens slapped, grabbed, shoved and threatened her during unwanted sexual encounters. Kehoe said Greitens has lost his “moral authority.”

“Should the governor choose not to resign, I am persuaded that he has not only burned bridges, he has blown them up to where it will be impossible for him to effectively lead the state going forward,” Kehoe said.

Other Republicans calling for Greitens’ resignation include Joplin businessman and megadonor David Humphreys — who gave Greitens nearly $1.3 million — and Attorney General Josh Hawley.

Greitens has vowed to remain in office and denied any violence or criminal wrongdoing.