Governor Eric Greitens’ campaign has launched a television ad across Missouri by touting the dismissal of the governor’s felony invasion of privacy case. The commercial goes on to call St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner a “liberal prosecutor” who billionaire investor George Soros has donated more than $200,000 to. Missouri Times newspaper publisher Scott Faughn, Soros and Democratic Party leaders are accused in the ad of scheming to create the accusations facing Greitens. Faughn is accused of giving more than $50,000 to cover the legal expenses of the man who made the accusation the governor had an affair in 2015.
The ad encourages viewers to stand with Greitens and conservative legislators by supporting their political agenda.
The advertising campaign coincides with a special session underway that could include the impeachment of Greitens.
The commercial will air in Kansas City, Joplin and on KMOV in St. Louis – the station that first reported the sexual allegations against the governor. The Star says the governor’s campaign has spent nearly $200,000 on the ads.
The governor’s legal troubles stem from allegations involving a non-consensual sexual photo of his former mistress and state and federal campaign finance violations. The prosecution never produced the photo even though it was central to the case against the governor.
The campaign charges deal with Greitens having used an email list produced by one of his non-profits. That charge has never really resonated with voters and, while illegal, may not rise to the level of impeachment.
Several GOP lawmakers have called on the Republican governor to resign, including Senate leadership. A special prosecutor is considering whether to re-file an invasion of privacy charge against Greitens.
The ad, which has been posted to the governor’s Facebook page, has had more than 30,000 views and hundreds of comments.