SARL member, Mike Parsons, becomes Missouri Governor

On Friday, Missourians will bid a final farewell to Eric Greitens, who has an exciting post-gubernatorial life waiting for him in various courtrooms. Replacing the former political wunderkind is Lt. Governor Mike Parson, a fellow Republican, but one cast in a far different mold. Parson is a devout Baptist, an Army veteran, a farmer, a former sheriff and a longtime presence in the state legislature in both the House and Senate. Whatever kind of governor he'll turn out to be, he'll have to work to establish a legacy outside of Greitens' jagged shadow. Parson grew up in a rural town of 356 people. He's a farmer and small-business owner. He talks with an authentic twang. Parson will be tasked with filling five vacancies on the eight-member board, which oversees K-12 education in the state. He must also decide if one of the three existing members — whose term expires July 1 — will stay or go.