Eric Greitens Image by Rubenstein Public Relations

By Nathan Guttman January 17, 2018

A week after Missourians were shocked to learn their governor had an extramarital affair and allegedly tried to blackmail the woman involved, Eric Greitens is speaking out and responding to calls for him to step down.

“I assure you that this personal mistake will not deter us from the mission we were sent here to do,” Greitens said in a statement he posted on Facebook and emailed to supporters. “We have been, and we will, continue to work for and to fight for the people of Missouri.”

Greitens, the first Jewish governor of Missouri and a rising star in Republican politics, admitted to having an affair, but continued to push back against allegations that he had forcefully tied and blindfolded the women and then took her picture, threatening to use it against her if she speaks out about the affair. Greitens said these claims were false and “extremely hurtful.”

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Calls for Greitens to step down were voiced by both Democrats and by members of his own party. A criminal investigation into allegations of blackmail has been launched by the St. Louis circuit attorney.

Contact Nathan Guttman at guttman@forward.com or on Twitter @nathanguttman

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