(AP) – Top Missouri Republicans are welcoming new Gov. Mike Parson to office.
Parson took office Friday, shortly after former Gov. Eric Greitens stepped down amid allegations of both personal and political misconduct. Both are Republicans.
Greitens often clashed with Republican lawmakers and other members of his own party as a self-proclaimed political outsider.
Parson assumes office with more than a decade of state government experience and relationships in politics.
Parson earned praised from former Republican Missouri governors John Ashcroft and Matt Blunt, along with a number of sitting members of Congress. U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner touted him as a “seasoned statesman.”
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt said the two became friends in Parson’s hometown of Bolivar more than two decades ago. Blunt says Parson’s past experience as a county sheriff and legislator help him understand the state in ways few people do.
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