The political comeback of troubled Governor of Missouri Eric Greitens appears doomed as an allegation of domestic abuse have surfaced with his ex-wife complaining against him. It could end in ignominy when the Republicans in the state chose a Senate nominee on August 2.
Eric Greitens has been ahead of the vast Republican field even in June. But fresh polls this week suggest that he has fallen into the third position. He is now trailing both Rep. Vicky Hartzler and AG Eric Schmitt.
In the final survey, Schmitt has 33% of the votes, Hartzler 21%, and Eric Greitens a mere 16%. The ex-governor is seen as very-unfavorable by a whopping 50% of likely voters for the primaries.
Eric Greitens has based his primary campaign on a strong MAGA crusade and will use his experience as an anti-establishment politician and also his background as a Navy SEAL. But his combining the two issues ran him aground in June.
Allegations Of Domestic Violence Against Eric Greitens
Further allegation of violence against Eric Greitens on his ex-wife and their child has further dented his image. It also brought back memories of the financial and sexual misconduct that earlier forced Greitens to resign 4 years ago in 2018, just two years into his stormy tenure as the governor.
Eric Greitens is hoping for an endorsement from Trump to revive his sagging fortunes. It seemed a distinct possibility till recently. But then the ad barrage against him had him slipping in the polls.
His rival, Schmitt, is likely to receive endorsement from Trump at this stage as he has already indicated that he would not back Hartzler a couple of weeks back. Schmitt has both MAGA and right-wing credentials. He has the endorsement of both Ted Cruz and Huckabee Sanders.
The exit of Eric Greitens could be good news for the Republicans but not for the Democrats. They had hoped that his presence would help them turn the tide in the state.