Missouri Senate Majority Leader Mike Kehoe on Thursday became the latest elected official in an ever-growing chorus calling for Gov. Eric Greitens to resign.
"The governor has lost the moral authority and the ability to lead the state," the Republican's statement said.
Lawmakers in both parties are stepping forward and demanding loudly and clearly that the governor quit. Many of those voices belong to Republicans, who are putting the state's welfare above their party.
They know grotesque misbehavior shouldn't be a partisan issue.
The work of the special House committee deserves the support of every Missourian. Members of the committee _ five Republicans and two Democrats _ all signed Wednesday's fact-finding report, proof that lawmakers from both sides of the aisle can work together when necessary.
Missouri GOP Rep. Jay Barnes deserves credit. We urged him to be transparent about the investigation. While open hearings would have been preferable, Barnes kept his promise to provide full transcripts of interviews and other information compiled by the committee.
That transparency allows Missourians to judge the credibility of the witnesses for themselves.
The committee will continue its work, examining Greitens' role with a charity. It's also expected to make recommendations to the House. Missourians can trust its decisions.
House Speaker Todd Richardson was under some pressure to keep the committee's work secret. He refused to buckle. He put the lie to the governor's false claim of a witch hunt.
Richardson and other House leaders will need that resolve as they pursue the solemn but essential task of impeaching Greitens. State senators, too, must be ready to show the same non-partisan approach in the weeks ahead.
Of course, Democrats' statements should not be discounted; they have also been passionate about Greitens' transgressions. And it's possible some Republicans have abandoned Greitens for their own political reasons.
If Missourians of all political persuasions speak with one voice, however, it's more likely Greitens will understand the hopelessness of his situation. He should quit.
Of course, resigning would require courage. If he's looking for some, Greitens might ponder the awe-inspiring bravery of the woman at the center of this tragedy.
She did not ask to be in the middle of a national firestorm. In fact, she actively tried to prevent disclosure of her relationship with Greitens.
Once the matter became public, however, she testified _ under oath _ about Greitens' abhorrent behavior. She faced powerful, well-paid opponents who publicly challenged her words.
The transcripts reveal the victim testified with focus, resolve, keen self-awareness and grace.
Her courage should inspire everyone. No person, no matter how powerful or famous, is above the law. The truth wins.
Justice will come for Greitens. And all of Missouri should remember the courage of his victim long after the governor's name has faded into well-deserved oblivion.
