ST. CHARLES, Mo. — The following is the statement of former Speaker Pro Tem Carl Bearden calling for Governor Greitens to step aside.
“This is a tough day for all Missourians regardless of where they fall on the political spectrum.
It’s a well-known fact that I believe the Grand Jury indictment is a farce as is the current criminal complaint. And, if that was all we had before us, I would and have said, ‘stand strong Governor’. Unfortunately, it’s not.
The transcript of the House Committee report paints a seriously disturbing picture of a cold, calculating man preying on a woman. Sexual abuse in any form is reprehensible behavior and the Governor must consider that he has lost the moral authority to lead our state. If he wants to attempt to salvage what’s left of his honor, he should consider resigning the Office of Governor effective immediately.
I understand why the Governor chose not to testify before the committee. He and his counsel believed that was the right decision given the judicial proceedings that are taking place.
Sadly, that left the House Special Investigative Report with having information that paints a picture of an individual who has some very serious issues. It contains charges made by witnesses that go unanswered but should and will be in a court of law.
However, attacking the work of the committee as a ‘witch-hunt’ was an emotional, unsupported allegation.
The Governor should and must put the best interests of his family and the citizens of the state of Missouri before his pride. He should fight vigorously against false charges. But, he also must face cold hard facts — his current situation does not serve his family, his state, or himself in a manner that leaves him with the capacity to properly lead the state.
If he is guilty of the behavior outlined in the report, there is no excuse nor reason that he should continue as Governor.
At the very least, the Governor should temporarily step aside until the completion of the court case in which he says will prove much of what is being alleged is false. If that is indeed the outcome, he then could resume his position as Governor.
If he were to take this action, he demonstrates that his family and his state are more important than his pride.”
Carl Bearden is a former member of the Missouri House of Representatives. He served as Budget Chair and Speaker Pro Tem during his terms in the House.
