Missouri GOP defends governor caught in revenge porn scheme by ranting about George Soros

The Missouri Republican Party is defending its indicted governor by claiming that George Soros is secretly responsible for his troubles.

In a formal statement, Missouri Republican Party Executive Director Sam Cooper lashed out at St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, who brought charges against Republican Gov. Eric Greitens.

"Kim Gardner has received more than $200,000 from George Soros groups," Cooper said. "Missourians should see this for what it is, a political hit job."

He also called Gardner "an anti-law enforcement Democrat wanting to single-handedly oust a law-and-order governor."

Greitens was indicted on Thursday for allegedly threatening to release nude photos of a former mistress if she ever talked publicly about their affair. In a leaked audio recording released earlier this year, the woman whom Greitens allegedly blackmailed claimed that he took a photo of her naked and blindfolded for the explicit purpose of using it as a deterrent to prevent her from discussing their relationship.

Greitens has admitted to having an affair with woman, but has denied trying to blackmail her.

Read the Missouri Republican Party's full statement below.