Fellow Republicans are calling on Eric Greitens to withdraw from the U.S. Senate race following allegations that he was physically abusive to his former wife and children.
“If you hit a woman or a child, you belong in handcuffs, not the United States Senate,” Sen. Josh Hawley said, according to “The Missouri Times.” “It’s time for Eric Greitens to leave this race.”
In an affidavit made public Monday, Sheena Greitens, the former governor’s ex-wife, accused Greitens of being physically abusive and manipulating and coercing her into publicly supporting his political ambitions.
“In early June 2018, I became afraid for my safety and that of our children at our home, which was fairly isolated, due to Eric’s unstable and coercive behavior,” she said in the affidavit. “This behavior included physical violence toward our children, such as cuffing our then 3-year-old son across the face at the dinner table in front of me and yanking him around by his hair.”
Missouri Republicans and other U.S. Senate candidates called for Eric Greitens to withdraw from the race.
“I have one thing that I want to say,” said Rep. Vicky Hartzler, who also is running for Senate. “Real men never abuse women and children, period, end of story. It’s time for Eric to get out of this Senate race and to get professional help.”
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Another candidate, Attorney General Eric Schmitt, said, “These allegations of abuse are disgusting and sickening. As Missouri’s attorney general, I know a predator when I see one, and I have fought for victims every step of the way. The behavior described in this affidavit is cause for Eric Greitens to be in prison, not on the ballot for U.S. Senate. He should end his campaign immediately.”
Senate Pro Tem and Senate candidate Dave Schatz agreed.
“I have consistently said that [Greitens] is unfit to serve in public office,” he said. “In light of today’s evidence showing a long pattern of abuse against his wife and children, he should end his campaign immediately.”
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice