Gov. Eric Greitens has embarrassed our state.
His admission of an extramarital affair made national news, fueled by allegations that he bound and photographed his partially undressed mistress in an attempt to blackmail her into silence.
The ordeal has disrupted the 2018 legislative session right at the start.
However, so far, we believe calls for his resignation are premature.
To be clear, we've been deeply troubled with some things we've seen from Greitens over the past year, before the story of the affair broke. While we generally agree with his conservative agenda, we've disagreed with his lack of transparancy and some of the tactics he's used, including his acceptance of "dark money." To Greitens, it seems, the means justifies the end.
His affair alone is disappointing, and we should expect more of our leaders. While it shows a lack of character and moral standards from someone who billed himself as a family man, it isn't illegal.
The only thing we know for sure is the governor cheated on his wife. He and his wife have acknowledged that, and said they have worked through the three-year-old issue. He has denied the blackmail allegations.
At this point, they are just that: allegations. They are based on a confession from Greitens' mistress to her husband, who secretly recorded their conversation.
A St. Louis prosecutor is investigating the claims. The prosecutor and the FBI have been given the recording of that conversation, as well as other recorded conversations between the husband and wife, who since have divorced. The FBI isn't saying whether they're investigating.
We welcome the investigations, and ask all parties involved, including the governor, to be forthright and transparent in answering questions.
One of the growing number of lawmakers in Greitens' own party who is calling for the governor's resignation is Sen. Rob Schaaf, of St. Joseph.
"When you ran for office, you promised that you would be a governor known for ethics and transparency," Schaaf said, directing his comments as if Greitens was there listening. "Instead, you have defined yourself through scandal and covering things up."
While we agree with his assessment, we don't agree with his conclusion that he should necessarily resign.
At this point, Greitens has denied criminal wrongdoing, and at least one investigation has been initiated. The governor should be allowed to keep his job while that takes place.