JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – After celebrating the announcement of jobs being created and the old Noranda smelter re-opening, things returned to the “new normal” in the Governor’s Office, as the investigation by the House Special Committee continued.
We promised to bring American jobs back to Southeast Missouri. We fought for them, and we won! Those jobs are coming back! pic.twitter.com/tH0vLbjcmx
— Eric Greitens (@EricGreitens) March 13, 2018
The week kicked off with another round of polling showing Greitens disapproval rating at 50 percent.
Gravis polling shows tight senate race, Greitens disapproval at 50%
But news also broke on Monday that Greitens was no longer being represented by the Down Bennett law firm in the Confide lawsuit.
Dowd Bennett no longer defending Greitens in Confide lawsuit
On Tuesday, the Governor made an announcement, designating Elijah Mayfield to the Governor’s Council on Disability.
Elijah does fantastic work for the people of Missouri every day. He is a friend, a great member of our team, and an incredible advocate for the Down Syndrome community. I was honored to ask him to accept an appointment to serve on the Governor’s Council on Disability. pic.twitter.com/WdImZAE2M4
— Eric Greitens (@EricGreitens) March 14, 2018
On Wednesday, the Governor was in Troy, visiting with veterans, while President Donald Trump was visiting St. Louis.
Also this week, another ethics complaint was filed against the Governor. The former chair of the Missouri Democratic Party alleges that Gov. Eric Greitens misled the Missouri Ethics Commission about how the Republican governor’s campaign obtained a donor list from the charity Greitens founded.
Meanwhile, questions are still bing asked in regard to the Governor’s lobbyist gift ban and whether a pro-bono defense constitutes a gift.
Uncertainty surrounds legal defense as a lobbyist gift from former ‘at no cost’ attorneys
Later on Wednesday afternoon, Rep. Jay Barnes, who chairs the investigative committee, provided an update on the investigation into Greitens.
Thursday marked a significant moment for both Greitens and the Missouri Ethics Commission, as it was the final day for three of the commissioners. That means that they no longer have a quorum, and will not until new ones are appointed. The only person who can appoint them, as of now, is the Governor.
Senators not happy about lame duck Ethics Commission, suggest that Lt. Gov. make MEC appointments
Benjamin Peters was a reporter for The Missouri Times and Missouri Times Magazine and also produced the #MoLeg Podcast. He joined The Missouri Times in 2016 after working as a sports editor and TV news producer in mid-Missouri. Benjamin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield.