Three People Outside Jefferson City, Missouri

I haven't had too much to say on the subject of Missouri's GOP Govenor, Eric Greitens, as he seemed slightly less awful than his fellow Republican Governors, but that bar is so low that apparently Greitens has walked straight into it.

Governor Eric Greitens on Wednesday night confirmed to News 4 he had an extramarital affair, an admission a months-long News 4 investigation prompted.

In a recording obtained by News 4, a woman says she had a sexual encounter with Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens and that he tried to blackmail her to keep the encounter quiet.

The details were provided to News 4 by the woman’s ex-husband, claiming the sexual relationship happened between his now ex-wife and Greitens in March 2015. News 4 is not naming the woman and she has not made an on-the-record comment about the story.

According to the ex-husband, the recording was made just days after Greitens’ and the woman’s first sexual encounter. And also that Greitens took a photograph during the encounter to use as “blackmail” according to the ex-husband.

During his campaign and while serving in his first year in office as Missouri’s Governor, Eric Greitens has billed himself a family man. During his campaign announcement, he stated: “I'm Eric Greitens, I'm a Navy SEAL, native Missourian and most importantly, a proud husband and father."

A contrast to the acts the woman accuses Greitens of committing on tape saying his actions were “horrible and disgusting.”

The ex-husband provided details to News 4 of what he claims was a sexual encounter between his now-ex-wife and Greitens back in March of 2015. News 4 has spoken to the woman's attorney who has stated: “No Comment.”

His now ex-wife wife didn't know he was recording their conversation as she confessed intimate details to him.

This is about as ugly as an affair gets, blackmail, recordings, and a politician that had possibly larger hopes than just the Governor's mansion.  What is it with conservative Republicans who are always screaming about "family values" and then blackmailing women over affairs?

It's depressing stuff.  He allegedly duct taped the woman to exercise equipment in his basement, blindfolded her, and then too a blackmail photo to assure her silence. I hope Greitens leaves office, if any of his "I was a Navy SEAL" honor is intact.

Which, well, he's a Republican politician, so no.