Lawmakers could impeach Gov. Greitens regardless of guilt

As some Missouri lawmakers, both Democrat and Republican, are again calling for Gov. Eric Greitens to resign, others are calling for an investigation into Thursday’s felony indictment.

The result of such an investigation could lead to impeachment, regardless of the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

Unlike many states, Missouri’s General Assembly does not need to await the outcome of the indictment before efforts to remove Greitens from his office as the state’s chief executive.

After a decision by the House to impeach the governor, Missouri’s Constitution provides for a special panel of seven “eminent jurists” to be elected by the Senate. If five members of that commission find the governor guilty of corruption, misconduct of moral turpitude and other charges while in office, the governor can be impeached.

With a Republican majority in the Senate, it has been unlikely that there would be enough support to remove a Republican governor, at least until a felony indictment.

If lawmakers move forward with a successful impeachment against Greitens, Lt. Gov. Mike Parson would assume the governor’s office.