JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A day after an invasion of privacy charge was dismissed against Gov. Eric Greitens, lawmakers said that doesn’t change their opinion to have a special session.
In Jefferson City, it was business as usual. Lawmakers said now that there is no trial in St. Louis, they think Greitens should testify before the Special Investigative House Committee.
“In time comes the truth,” said Greitens after the charge was dismissed Monday.
Greitens stood on the steps of the St. Louis courthouse confident that he is innocent of all allegations lodged at him.
In Jefferson City, lawmakers said the special committee continues to uncover possible acts of misconduct.
“It isn’t political. This is 7 to 0, Republicans and Democrats looking at it saying there is enough to investigate and get the facts. That is what people in Missouri want, the truth,” said Rep. T.J. Berry, R-Clay County.
With reports of an affair, alleged computer tampering, and now possible shell companies to hide who gave Greitens money, Republicans and Democrats in the legislature stand by their decision to call for a special session.
“Impeachment does not mean removal from office. It means the House has found enough evidence that we want a panel of seven judges to hear a court case on whether he should be removed from office,” said Rep. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City.
Legal counsel for the governor’s office said Greitens is willing to testify.
“We still need the governor to come in front of the committee, give his side of the story, and then we have both sides,” said Berry.
The special session starts Friday at 6:30 p.m.
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