The phrase “out with the old and in with the new” couldn’t ring more true in the state of Missouri following Governor Eric Greitens’ resignation and his replacement Lieutenant Governor Mike Parson. The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association (MCA) was quick to offer its support of Parson as he ascends to the governorship.
MCA Executive Vice President Mike Deering called Parson a statesman and a man of character.
“Despite the unfortunate situation that pushed Mike into the governor’s seat, we are confident in his abilities to lead this state. He is exactly the kind of person who is the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association,” said Deering, referencing Parson being a cattle farmer from Polk County. “Mike has a history of making tough decisions and always fighting for farm and ranch families who make up Missouri’s largest economic driver.”
Greitens’ resignation is part of a deal to drop a felony charge of computer tampering and misuse of a charity donor list to raise money for his 2016 gubernatorial campaign. He still faces the potential of a special prosecutor refiling sexual misconduct charges related to an extramarital affair in 2015 and a nude photo he allegedly took of her and used as blackmail.
MCA President Greg Buckman said it’s the first time he can remember a farmer being the governor of Missouri.
“As cattlemen, we want government out of our daily lives. We want to work hard, provide for our families and do what’s right by our neighbors. That’s Mike Parson,” said Buckman. “We are thrilled to have a fellow cattleman as the governor of the second-largest beef cattle state in the nation. He can count on this association’s support as he transitions into his new role.”
