However, we would not be here without the hard work and dedication of so many staff and volunteers, and the generosity of contributors who believed in Tom's qualifications and message of fiscal conservatism, and helped spread the word to so many Missourians.

Thank you to all who helped us achieve our first step into winning back the Auditor's office.

Missouri Right to Life today endorsed Tom Schweich for Missouri State Auditor. This was part of a dual endorsement.

"I am deeply appreciative that Missouri Right To Life chose to recognize my pro-life views with this endorsement," said Schweich. "I look forward to interacting further with voters on this important issue."

Schweich has also been endorsed by former U.S. Attorney General, senator, governor, and state auditor John Ashcroft, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, and many other pro-life legislators and Republican party members.

Calling it ineffective and a clear violation of the Afghan Constitution in a recent interview, Tom Schweich blasted the Obama administration for their too-soft stance on the poppy production in Afghanistan.

From 2007 – 2008 Schweich was the Coordinator for Counternarcotics and Justice Reform in Afghanistan. Schweich’s focus on eradication led to strong gains in the fight against illicit poppy cultivation. Despite the success of these policies, the Obama administration chose to adopt different strategy.

The full article is available at: http://medillnsj.org/06/2010/medill-reporting/covering-conflicts/from-eradication-to-assent-u-s-policy-on-opium-crops/

Gov. Mitt Romney: ” I don’t think I’ve ever heard better qualifications for someone to become a state auditor.”

St. Louis, MO- On Tuesday, former Governor Mitt Romney gave strong support for Tom Schweich’s candidacy to be Missouri’s next State Auditor. Gov. Romney had previously endorsed Schweich in March.

There were more than 500 people in attendance, including Lt. Gov Peter Kinder, Sen. Jim Talent, Ambassador Ann Wagner, Ambassador Sam Fox, Ambassador Bert Walker, State Senator Scott Rupp, Senator Bill Stouffer, former State Senator Betty Sims, former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman, former State Rep. Colonel Jack Jackson, former State Rep. Vicky Hartzler, Mayor Patti York, candidates John Lamping, Billy Long, Lincoln Hough, and Republican County Chairpersons Judy Zakibe (St. Louis), Tom Kuypers (St. Charles) and Rich Magee (St. Louis County), plus Republican grassroots leaders.

Gov. Romney told the attendees:
“I was delighted to see that bumper sticker for Tom Schweich. I’ll tell you, it was really terrific to see that because it says “I like Schweich”. Now see, I grew up in the 1950s and some of you remember those bumper stickers “I like Ike” [referring to the nick name of President Dwight D. Eisenhower] and I’ll tell you Ike was one of the great heroes of my life. I got the chance to meet him a few years later. Wouldn’t it be marvelous if like Ike and Schweich we consistently elected people who were actually qualified for the job?”

“Voters from around the state and leaders of the party know that only Tom Schweich has the experience as a fiscal conservative and proven investigator to deliver the change we need in Jefferson City,” said Joseph S. Passanise of Springfield. “It was a wonderful night.”

Noted conservative leader, former U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Senator, Missouri Governor and State Auditor John Ashcroft formally endorsed Tom Schweich to be Missouri’s next State Auditor. Ashcroft’s endorsement was delivered to a crowd of 500 party leaders, elected officials, and grass roots organizers in a hand written letter read by Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder. The group was gathered for Gov. Mitt Romney’s event in support of Tom Schweich. The letter reads:

"…. I regret my inability to be with you at the Governor Romney event tonight for Tom Schweich. As a former law enforcement official and Missouri State Auditor, today I join Gov. Mitt Romney, Amb. John Bolton, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Sen. Jack Danforth and so many others in endorsing Tom Schweich to be Missouri’s next State Auditor. Tom has the investigative, audit, legal and management experience for the job. Please express my appreciation to all who support Tom. Convey my respect to Mitt Romney, a great national leader.
Sincerely,
John Ashcroft."

“It is an honor to be endorsed by Attorney General Ashcroft,” said Schweich. “He is a leader I have always admired and respected. I am proud to have earned his trust and endorsement.”

Tom Schweich’s endorsements also include, Gov. Mitt Romney, Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, Southwest Missouri icon former Sen. Emory Melton, Southeast Missouri legend former State Representative Mary Kasten, State Senators Brad Lager, Kurt Schaefer, Bill Stouffer, and Senate Leader Charlie Shields, as well as conservative commentator and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton.

“Grassroots supporters, local and national leaders are joining Tom’s campaign for two important reasons,” said campaign treasurer Joseph S. Passanise. “First, there is no question that Tom is the most qualified candidate for auditor in a generation. Second, he is the only candidate who can defeat the current state auditor.”

Schweich Raises $225,401 in First Quarter of 2010, $615,325 on hand

ST. LOUIS – Tom Schweich, Republican candidate for Missouri State Auditor,
today announced his fundraising totals for the quarter that ended on March
31, 2010.

Schweich’s campaign reported raising $225,401 in the three month period.
With a total of $795,890 raised for this election, the Schweich campaign is
within reach of its goal of raising in excess of $1Million for the
Republican primary.

The Schweich campaign noted it is critical for Republicans to field the
strongest candidate in the November election in order defeat the current
auditor, who continues to prove unable to best protect Missourians' tax
dollars.

"After developing a strong grassroots network, building a top flight
campaign and earning the trust of small, medium and large donors, I believe
I have proven I am the candidate who can win in November,” said Schweich. “A
lot is at stake for the taxpayer. This race is not about partisanship, it is
about protecting Missourians' hard earned tax dollars. More than ever we
need a strong, independent watchdog for the taxpayers of our state.”

With $615,325 cash on hand, Schweich completed his third consecutive record
breaking quarter. Schweich raised $349,029 and $221,460 in 2009's third and
fourth quarters respectively. **

Schweich, a former U.S. Ambassador, prosecutor, and international law
enforcement official, announced his candidacy in July. Since then, he has
gained the endorsements of notable Missouri Republicans including Lt.
Governor Peter Kinder, Southwest Missouri icon former Sen. Emory Melton,
former State Representative Mary Kasten, State Senator Brad Lager, State
Senator Kurt Schaefer, State Senator Bill Stouffer, and Senate Leader
Charlie Shields, as well as conservative commentator and former U.S.
Ambassador to the United Nations John R. Bolton.

In addition to his endorsement, former Governor Mitt Romney will also be a
special guest on April 27 in St. Louis at a fundraiser for Schweich.

Schweich is a Republican with extensive financial, legal, investigative,
audit, and management experience who has consistently advocated conservative
financial principles throughout his many national and global roles.
Schweich served as deputy director and acting director of the law
enforcement division of the State Department, and then as a U.S. Ambassador
fighting the drug trade and corruption in Afghanistan while helping the
country build its judicial system. He is also a financial author, advocating
conservative financial principles for individuals and countries alike. At a
time when the housing market was booming, he warned of the dangers of shady
mortgages and over-borrowing. He examined the history of countries that had
over-extended themselves and sang the praises of debt-free living making him
one of a few writers who saw the current financial crisis coming.
Schweich lives in St. Louis with his wife, Kathy, and their two children.

**(Previous record: McCaskill, Jan. 2002, $171,040, excluding personal
loans).

http://bit.ly/cwG6mH

 JEFFERSON CITY – Tom Schweich, a former U.S. Ambassador, prosecutor, and international law enforcement official, today filed with the Secretary of State’s office to run to be the next State Auditor for the people of Missouri. Schweich first announced his candidacy last July, joined by his family, friends and supporters in his hometown followed by nine kickoff stops across the state. Since announcing, Schweich has traveled the state meeting voters and building support.

“With billions of dollars of Obama stimulus money coming to Missouri, our state needs a fiscal conservative like me to protect every taxpayer dollar from waste and abuse,” Schweich said. “I have the unparalleled experience to be the tough, fair-minded, and efficient taxpayer advocate Missourians deserve.” 

He has also gained the endorsements of notable Missouri Republicans including Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, Senate Leader Charlie Shields, State Senator Brad Lager, State Senator Kurt Schaefer, State Senator Bill Stouffer, Southwest Missouri icon former Sen. Emory Melton, former State Representative Mary Kasten, as well as conservative commentator and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John R Bolton.

 “I appreciate the support I’ve received from Missouri’s conservative leaders,” Schweich said. “I look forward to winning this important office to be the people's independent watchdog making sure every taxpayer dollar is spent properly."

Schweich is a Republican with extensive financial, legal, investigative, audit, and management experience who has consistently advocated conservative financial principles throughout his many national and global roles.

Schweich served as deputy director and acting director of the law enforcement division of the State Department, and then as a U.S. Ambassador fighting the drug trade and corruption in Afghanistan while helping the country build its judicial system.

He is also a financial author, advocating conservative financial principles for individuals and countries alike. At a time when the housing market was booming, he warned of the dangers of shady mortgages and over-borrowing. He examined the history of countries that had over-extended themselves and sang the praises of debt-free living making him one of a few writers who saw the current financial crisis coming.

Schweich is one of two announced Republicans seeking the office of State Auditor. In only his first two fundraising quarters in politics he has garnered nearly three times more cash-on-hand than his opponent. 

Schweich lives in St. Louis with his wife, Kathy, and their two children.

The Schweich for Auditor campaign announced today that former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney will headline a fundraising event in St. Louis on April 27.

Schweich Raises $221,460 in His Second Quarter in Politics

ST. LOUIS – Tom Schweich, a former U.S. Ambassador, prosecutor, and international law enforcement official, today announced his fundraising totals for the quarter that ended on December 31, 2009 – his second quarter as an announced candidate for Missouri State Auditor. Schweich’s campaign reported raising $221,460 in the three month period for the office of state auditor. His total is the second highest for a State Auditor candidate. The only better quarter for an auditor candidate was Schweich's previous quarter when he set a record having raised $349,029 (Previous record: McCaskill, Jan. 2002, $171,040, excluding personal loans).

Schweich’s campaign reports having raised a total of $570,489.64 to date, with $470,297.17 cash on hand.

Schweich announced his candidacy in July. Since then, he has gained the endorsements of notable Missouri Republicans including Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, Southwest Missouri icon former Sen. Emory Melton, former State Representative Mary Kasten, State Senator Brad Lager, State Senator Kurt Schaefer, State Senator Bill Stouffer, and Senate Leader Charlie Shields, as well as conservative commentator and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John R. Bolton.
Schweich is a Republican with extensive financial, legal, investigative, audit, and management experience who has consistently advocated conservative financial principles throughout his many national and global roles.

Schweich served as deputy director and acting director of the law enforcement division of the State Department, and then as a U.S. Ambassador fighting the drug trade and corruption in Afghanistan while helping the country build its judicial system. He is also a financial author, advocating conservative financial principles for individuals and countries alike. At a time when the housing market was booming, he warned of the dangers of shady mortgages and over-borrowing. He examined the history of countries that had over-extended themselves and sang the praises of debt-free living making him one of a few writers who saw the current financial crisis coming.

Schweich is one of two announced Republicans seeking the office of State Auditor. He lives in St. Louis with his wife, Kathy, and their two children.

“I am honored that the top-ranking Republican in Missouri state government has chosen to endorse and now significantly contribute to my campaign for state auditor. With his tremendous support, I look forward to winning this important office to be the people's independent watchdog making sure every taxpayer dollar is spent properly."

Schweich Announces Latest Endorsement of Growing Support

ST. LOUIS – Tom Schweich, a former U.S. Ambassador, prosecutor, and international law enforcement official, today announced beloved Southeast Missourian and former Republican State Representative Mary Kasten has endorsed his State Auditor campaign for the 2010 election.

Kasten joins a growing list of Missouri leaders in supporting Schweich, including: Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, former U.S. Senator Jack Danforth, former state Senator Emory Melton, and current State Senators Brad Lager, R-Savannah; Brad Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia; Bill Stouffer, R-Napton; and Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph. 

Kasten said Schweich’s experience makes him the person who can best hold government accountable to the taxpayers as state auditor, “If anything, Tom Schweich is over qualified to be our next State Auditor,” said Kasten. “Please join me in supporting the right man for the job.”

In 2008, Kasten served Missourians as State Representative when elected to represent most of Cape Girardeau County in the Missouri House of Representatives in a special election. Previously, she had served 9 terms as a state representative.

She has resided in Cape Girardeau most of her life, having graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a B.S. in education and raising a family there. She is a former member of the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents. She also served for 20 years on the Cape Girardeau school board and is a former president of the Missouri School Boards Association. She is the founder of the Cape Girardeau Community Caring Council and has been recognized with awards including the Friend of Children award and the Outstanding Women of Achievement award. Kasten retired from the House after the 2008 session.

"Rep. Kasten is a wonderful Missourian who is recognized by many as one of the people who have made Cape Girardeau a great place for families to live,” said Schweich. “She is a tremendous community leader and I am honored by her endorsement and recognition that I bring the investigative experience needed to best protect Missouri taxpayers as their next State Auditor.”

Schweich is a Republican with extensive financial, legal, investigative, audit, and management experience who has consistently advocated conservative financial principles throughout his many national and global roles. He served as deputy director and acting director of the law enforcement division of the State Department, and then as a U.S. Ambassador fighting the drug trade and corruption in Afghanistan while helping the country build its judicial system. He is also a financial author, having written several books including the 2002 Crashproof Your Life: A Comprehensive Three-Part Plan for Avoiding Financial Disasters. In this book, he advocated conservative financial principles for individuals and countries alike.

Schweich is one of two announced Republicans vying for the office of auditor. He lives with his wife, Kathy, and their two children in eastern Missouri.

Schweich’s Momentum Continues as Coalition of Support Broadens 

ST. LOUIS – In addition to his support from Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, former U.S. Senator Jack Danforth, and conservative commentator and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John R. Bolton, former Ambassador Tom Schweich, Republican candidate for Missouri State Auditor, today announced the support of State Senators Brad Lager, R-Savannah; Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia; Bill Stouffer, R-Napton; and Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph. 

"He impresses the hell out of people with his qualifications, his commitment to public service and his solid fiscally conservative credentials," said Lt. Governor Peter Kinder. "His campaign is succeeding because he is convincing people he is the right person to protect our hard earned tax dollars."

Schweich is a Republican with extensive financial, legal, investigative, audit, and management experience who has consistently advocated conservative financial principles throughout his many national and global roles.

Schweich served as deputy director and acting director of the law enforcement division of the State Department, and then as a U.S. Ambassador fighting the drug trade and corruption in Afghanistan while helping the country build its judicial system. He is also a financial author, having written several books including the 2002 Crashproof Your Life: A Comprehensive Three-Part Plan for Avoiding Financial Disasters. In this book - hailed by Insurance Weekly magazine as the risk avoidance book of the year -as well as in a follow-up CD series entitled Protect Your Wealth, Schweich advocated conservative financial principles for individuals and countries alike. At a time when the housing market was booming, he warned of the dangers of shady mortgages and over-borrowing. He examined the history of countries that had over-extended themselves and sang the praises of debt-free living making him one of a few writers who saw the current financial crisis coming.

“As a former Budget Chairman and a fiscal conservative, I believe that now more than ever we need common sense conservative leaders in public service," said Sen. Lager. "Tom follows these guiding conservative financial principles in his personal life and I am confident that he will bring these much needed principles to the auditor's office. Missourians do not support the out-of-control spending happening in Washington, D.C., nor the 'spend it because you have it' mentality that has occurred in many state capitols. We need Tom, an independent voice, in the State Auditor's office to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability of Missourians' hard earned tax dollars." 

“I know what it’s like to run against an incumbent in an uphill battle and win," said Sen. Schaefer. "I believe Tom has the tenacity, experience and drive to do the same in 2010.  He is the best candidate for the job and for Missourians.” 

“I am honored  to have both the top two ranking Republicans in the Missouri Statehouse supporting my campaign for state auditor,” Schweich said. “I also appreciate the support I have received from fiscally conservative senators from across the state. Their vote of confidence is very encouraging."  

Schweich is one of two announced Republicans vying for the office of auditor. He lives with his wife, Kathy, and their two children in St. Louis.

Team Schweich is excited to introduce the latest phase of our Internet campaign at TomSchweich.com.

This upgraded version of our online strategy keeps you up to date with our latest news, allows you to sign up for periodic updates via email, watch videos of Tom’s appearances and supporters comments, see when we are going to be in your area, and tell your friends about our efforts.

You will see our social media efforts on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube linked off the front page and the bottom of this email. Be sure to sign up to be a Facebook supporter and a Twitter follower!

Of course, you can contact us anytime to share local news, extend invitations to your events, or to offer your advice. We aren’t done yet either, stay tuned to our online efforts as we roll out more features, updates, and ways for you to get involved with electing Tom to be our taxpayer watchdog!

Thank you and we’ll see you soon on the campaign trail-

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your tremendous support of the Schweich for Auditor campaign. All across the state, people are saying "I Like Schweich ." The campaign set a fundraising record last quarter - more than doubling the previous record. Tom has now made dozens of campaign stops across the state, winning more and more voters with each event. Tom has been endorsed by Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Sen. Jack Danforth, conservative leader and former US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton, Ambassador Bert Walker, Ambassador Sam Fox, former State Senator and Southwest Missouri legend Emory Melton, and, just a few days ago, Congressman Roy Blunt issued the following statement: "Tom Schweich would bring a tremendous background of public service and great credentials in finance and management to the State Auditor's job." The momentum is building.

As friends of the campaign, we wanted you to know first that Tom is going to be taking a few days off the campaign trail this week. Tom had the honor of being invited by the head of NATO training to go to Germany to provide a training program on crime and corruption in Afghanistan to NATO officers about to deploy to Afghanistan. In addition to his strong background in law enforcement, investigations, and audits, Tom is recognized as one of the world's leading experts on Afghanistan - having spent time there when he worked as an ambassador in the Bush Administration.

But don't worry! In just a few days, Tom will be back on the campaign trail with his usual energy and enthusiasm.

Thank you,

Schweich Raises $349,029 in His First 12 Weeks in Politics

ST. LOUIS – Tom Schweich, a former U.S. Ambassador, prosecutor, and international law enforcement official, today announced his fundraising totals for the quarter that ended on September 30 – his first quarter as an announced candidate for Missouri State Auditor. Schweich’s campaign reported raising $349,029 during his first fundraising quarter for the office of state auditor. His total is more than double the previous highest fundraising quarter for a State Auditor candidate (McCaskill, Jan. 2002, $171,040, excluding personal loans).

"I announced I was running for state auditor just twelve short weeks ago," said Schweich. "I am honored by the support I have received from voters across the state who believe my experience and my financial conservatism make me the best candidate to protect their tax dollars as Missouri’s next State Auditor.”

Schweich announced his candidacy in July. Since then, he has traveled around Missouri speaking with voters and gained the endorsements of notable Missouri Republicans, including Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, former U.S. Senator Jack Danforth, Southwest Missouri icon former Sen. Emory Melton and conservative commentator and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John R Bolton.

Schweich’s campaign noted contributions ranged in size, with dozens of contributions of less than $100.

Schweich is a Republican with extensive financial, legal, investigative, audit, and management experience who has consistently advocated conservative financial principles throughout his many national and global roles. At his announcement, Schweich said now, more than ever, Missouri needs an auditor that will make sure every taxpayer dollar is being properly spent.

Schweich is one of two announced Republicans seeking the office of State Auditor. He lives in eastern Missouri with his wife, Kathy, and their two children.

Tom Schweich Announces Melton's Endorsement

SPRINGFIELD - Tom Schweich, a former U.S. Ambassador, prosecutor, and international law enforcement official, today announced Southwest Missouri icon and former Republican State Senator Emory Melton has endorsed his State Auditor campaign for the 2010 election.

Melton highlighted Schweich's experience as the key to why he is the best candidate to protect Missouri taxpayers as their state auditor.

"The position of auditor is one of the most important elements of the
executive branch," said Melton. "The experience Tom has had in the field of auditing far surpasses all the other candidates."

Melton is a fifth-generation native of Barry County and has resided in
Cassville most his life. He was first elected to the Missouri Senate in 1972 and was reelected five times without opposition before retiring from public service. While a state senator, he represented eleven Southwest Missouri counties including Barry, McDonald, Lawrence, Shannon, Oregon, Christian, Douglas, Howell, Ozark, Stone and Taney. He served on the Senate Appropriations Committee as well as the Senate Budget Control Committee. A World War II veteran, former prosecuting attorney, and newspaper publisher,

Melton still maintains a law practice in Cassville. His commitment to
Southwest Missouri is recognized by the Missouri State University-West Plains campus hall and the Roaring River State Park inn and conference center, both named for him.

"Sen. Melton is a true statesman who has dedicated his life to protecting Missouri taxpayers," said Schweich. "I am honored by his endorsement that I am the candidate with the right experience to best protect Missouri taxpayers as their auditor."

Schweich is a Republican with extensive financial, legal, investigative, audit, and management experience who has consistently advocated conservative financial principles throughout his many national and global roles. At his announcement, Schweich said now, more than ever, Missouri needs an auditor that will make sure every taxpayer dollar is being properly spent.

By Jake Wagman

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The Ladue branch at least.

On Sunday evening, GOP auditor candidate Tom Schweich was feted at a Ritz-Carlton fundraiser thrown by former U.S. Sen. Jack Danforth; Republican super donor and former ambassador to Belgium Sam Fox; and George H. “Bert” Walker, former ambassador to Hungary and kin to President Bush 41 and 43.

The event — with a price tag of up to $2,500 a couple — featured a special guest: yet another former ambassador, John Bolton, who represented the U.S. at the United Nations from 2005 to 2006.

All of the diplomatic ties makes sense.

Schweich worked for both the United Nations and the State Department in the second Bush administration. He was also chief of staff to Danforth’s special Waco investigation.

Now a law school “ambassador in residence” at Washington University — which features a campus named for the Danforths and a school named for Fox — Schweich will certainly have a tidy reserve of funds to take on his GOP primary opponent, Wildwood State Rep. Allen Icet.

But the question is whether Schweich’s venerable Republican supporters will be able to help where it counts — with voters.

Event Builds on Success as Schweich Campaign Continues Momentum

ST. LOUIS - Former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, international security expert, and conservative commentator John R. Bolton was the featured guest during an event in St. Louis in support of Tom Schweich's candidacy for state auditor, Sunday, October 4.

Bolton spoke about important foreign policy issues and discussed why Schweich would be a strong auditor for the people of Missouri. He noted that at the United Nations, Schweich worked to root out waste, fraud and corruption. Bolton added that Schweich's experience in auditing and investigating many nations in his leadership roles at the State Department make him a strong auditor for the state of Missouri.

The event also featured comments by Schweich, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, former Ambassador Sam Fox, former U.S. Senator and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Jack Danforth, and former Ambassador Bert Walker.

The event attracted more than 200 supporters and raised a significant sum of money for the Schweich for Auditor campaign.

During Schweich's comments, he noted he had only been a candidate for 12 weeks, but had already built a large network of statewide support and achieved significant fundraising needed to run a strong campaign for state auditor.

"I am honored to be in the presence of so many Republican leaders including party leaders, ambassadors, state senators, representatives, central committee members, and long-time volunteers," said Schweich.

In his comments to the crowd, Kinder read the following remarks from a letter of support from Congressman Roy Blunt: "Tom Schweich would bring a tremendous background of public service and great credentials in finance and management to the State Auditor's job."

Kinder also told the crowd of his early endorsement of Schweich while emphasizing the qualifications that make him the best person for the job of state auditor.

"It is an incredible opportunity Missouri has to elect a person of Tom's experience, skill, and financial sense," Kinder said.

In 2004, Schweich received a presidential appointment as chief of staff of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York. While there, he worked for three U.N. ambassadors: Jack Danforth, Anne Patterson (acting), and John R. Bolton. During his service, Schweich testified before Congress on ways to correct U.N. inefficiencies and corruption arising out of the U.N. "Oil for Food" scandal involving illegal kickbacks from U.N. member states and officials to Saddam Hussein.

Bolton served from August 2005 to December 2006 as the 25th U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Prior to that, he held senior State Department positions in the areas of arms control and international organizations. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and is of counsel with the international law firm of Kirkland & Ellis, LLP. He is also a prolific author and television commentator on conservative issues.

ST. LOUIS – Tom Schweich, Republican candidate for Missouri State Auditor, announced today that former United States Senator, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, and Missouri Attorney General John Danforth will speak at an event in Kansas City, Missouri, in support of Schweich’s candidacy. The event will be held on October 15.

“Tom is the most productive person I know,” Danforth said. “His experience in auditing and investigating over a 25 year period make him perhaps the most well qualified candidate ever for the state auditor’s office.”

Danforth served 26 years in public office, including 18 as a U.S. Senator representing Missouri. He is currently a partner at the law firm of Bryan Cave, LLP, and has led the Danforth Foundation, one of the largest private, not-for-profit organizations in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. He is also an ordained Episcopal priest and author.

Schweich first worked with Danforth when the senator was appointed Special Counsel by Attorney General Janet Reno to investigate the federal raid on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. Danforth appointed Schweich as the Chief of Staff of the investigation entailing more than 1,000 witness interviews, examining more than 2.3 million pages of documents, and combing through thousands of pounds of physical evidence. They completed the investigation in a little over a year.

In 2004, Schweich received a presidential appointment as chief of staff of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. While there, he worked for three U.N. ambassadors: John Danforth, Anne Patterson (acting), and John R. Bolton. During his service, Schweich testified before Congress on ways to correct U.N. inefficiencies and corruption arising out of the U.N. “Oil for Food” scandal involving illegal kickbacks from U.N. member states and officials to Saddam Hussein. Schweich later served as deputy director and acting director of the law enforcement division of the State Department, and then as a U.S. ambassador helping Afghanistan build its judicial system and fight the drug trade.

“I am honored that a man of the stature of Sen. Jack Danforth would be willing to headline a fundraiser on my behalf,” Schweich said. “I look forward to an exciting event in Kansas City.”

Schweich is a Republican with extensive financial, legal, investigative, audit, and management experience who has consistently advocated conservative financial principles throughout his many national and global roles. He lives with his wife, Kathy, and their two children in St. Louis.

By Rick Rogers

Neosho Daily News

Thu Jul 30, 2009, 01:36 PM CDT

Neosho, Mo. -

Two Republican candidates for state auditor paid a visit to Neosho on Tuesday evening and spoke for three minutes each to a large gathering at the Newton County Republican watermelon feed at Big Spring Park.

GOP candidates Tom Schweich, a Washington University law professor, and State Rep. Allen Icet (R-Wildwood) were on hand at the GOP event to stump for their campaigns focused on the state auditor’s 2010 election. The GOP candidate will likely face incumbent state auditor Susan Montee, a Democrat from St. Joseph, who has said she will run for a second term. Former U.S. Ambassador Tom Schweich said, if elected, he would bring a fiscal conservative background and a history of dedicated public service to the role of state auditor.

“This is the most important state auditor’s race we have had in 40 or 50 years with the Obama stimulus money, with the economy in recession,” he said. “We need to make sure there is a very aggressive, tough and experienced watchdog to make sure that money is properly spent.”
Schweich said right now the stimulus money is coming from Democratic President Barack Obama, to Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill and through the watch of Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon in Missouri.

“How many of you think we need a Republican to audit that money?” Schweich asked the crowd at the GOP event. “I think we do. I think we need to keep them honest with a good, solid Republican to audit that money. It is a difficult thing to win against an incumbent in a down-ticket race. The state auditor race is going to be very, very tough. The way to do it is to get a candidate that has a lot of experience, is tough, energetic, aggressive and will take no prisoners on this Obama stimulus money and what is going down.”

State Rep. Allen Icet used his three minutes to discuss the economic woes the nation is currently facing.

“The crisis this nation is facing is the Barack Obama administration,” Icet said. “He will bankrupt this nation and place such debt on our children and grandchildren that they will never pay it off. It is important to have someone in the auditor’s office who is a fiscal hawk, and has a proven track record of serving the fiscal principles of our party.”

In 2005, Icet became the Chairman of the House Budget Committee after serving one year as vice chairman. In 2002, he was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives. His current Joint Committee membership includes the Capital Improvements and Leases Oversight, the Interim Committee on Oversight of Federal Stimulus and Stabilization Funds, Court Automation, Legislative Research, and Missouri Health Net.

“I have a proven conservative record when it comes to budgeting,” Icet said. “I know that the money comes from you, and it does not come from the state government or the federal government. I am for tax cuts, and against tax increases.”

Auditor Candidate Says Veto Leaves the Door Open for Fraud and Cronyism

ST. LOUIS – Tom Schweich, Republican candidate for Missouri State Auditor, today questioned Governor Jay Nixon’s veto of House Bill 544 that would have brought legislative oversight with cooperation of the auditor to the way federal stimulus dollars are spent in Missouri. Schweich said Missouri is expected to receive more than $4 billion dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“I am disappointed that our governor would say no to accountability and transparency when it comes to the billions of dollars of Obama stimulus money coming into our state,” Schweich said. "As auditor, I would ensure those federal dollars where the auditor has oversight are properly spent. Plus, I would work with the legislature and governor to bring oversight to every stimulus dollar spent in our state.”

HB544 would have created the Joint Committee on Recovery Accountability and Transparency. The panel was charged with rooting out waste, fraud and abuse of any stimulus dollars spent in Missouri.

Schweich said even more surprising is that the governor vetoed the measure despite the fact that the federal government and other states have implemented similar oversight committees.

“Not only did many Missourians, including myself, not support the federal stimulus, but now they have no way to trust that the money is being spent properly,” he said.

The bill outlined coordination between the panel and the state auditor to review the federal dollars. Schweich said without the legislative oversight committee, the duty falls solely to the auditor.

“This is another example of why it is important now, more than ever, to have an independent, fair-minded, fiscal conservative as our auditor,” Schweich said. “I have the unmatched experience and impartiality to best protect taxpayers in this role.”

Another provision of the bill would have required the governor to make public daily on the Missouri Accountability Portal any budget cuts to departments and programs in the current fiscal year. The governor cited an amendment to the bill that would allow every lawmaker a key to the capitol dome as his reason for the veto.

Schweich is a former U.S. Ambassador, prosecutor, and international law enforcement official. At the state department he managed more than 4,000 people in 80 countries and a $2.5 billion budget. He is one of two announced Republicans vying for the office of auditor.

By Eden Derby, KTVO
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 at 6:39 p.m.
Video: http://www.heartlandconnection.com/news/video.aspx?id=322345 

KIRKSVILLE, MO --  

With hopes of becoming the next Missouri Auditor, Republican candidate Tom Schweich stopped in Kirksville Wednesday as part of his campaign kick-off tour around the state.
    
Schweich says he is the best man for the job because of his past legal, investigative, and auditing experience. He is also a former special U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, and says he will bring fiscal conservative values to the table when it comes to state money.

“When you've got money coming from President Obama, through Senator McCaskill down to Governor Nixon, we want a strong independent voice auditing that money, and that's what my main theme is going to be. I'll be very fair, I'll be even handed, I have no political favors I owe anybody. I will be an auditor for the people of the state,” Schweich said.
  
This is his first time running for office. For more information on Schweich or his campaign, click here.

Originally printed at http://www.ky3.com/news/political/blog/50180517.html

SPRINGFIELD -- A virtual unknown threw his hat into Missouri's race for state auditor.  Former U.S. Ambassador Tom Schweich is one of two announced Republicans who will try to unseat incumbent Democrat Susan Montee next year.

Schweich stopped in Springfield on Tuesday to make his official announcement as part of a two-day statewide tour.  Schweich's background consists of fighting terrorism and corruption overseas in Afghanistan. Now he says he'll use those skills to make sure President Obama's stimulus package is being spent as intended.

A few months ago, Schweich was poised to challenge Congressman Roy Blunt for a shot at the U.S. Senate but, after hammering out a deal with party leaders, Schweich cleared one Republican Party primary and created another.

"I'm in the race, I'm in for good. I'm seeing it through to the end, and I think I'm going to win," Schweich said during his stop here.

His entrance sets up a primary battle against Republican House Budget Chair Allen Icet, who released a list of more than 80 endorsements from state lawmakers on Tuesday.

"You look at that type of support, it's not an accident. You get that support because you've earned it and Allen's earned it in how he's handled the budget. And he's been a watchdog in that role," said Rep. Shane Schoeller, R-Willard, who is among the House members backing Icet.

Schweich makes the point that, as a fresh face, he's removed any hint of partiality towards programs, and notes his resume is hard to match.

"The auditor is really not about appropriations," Schweich said in a not-so-subtle slap against Icet.  "The auditor is about investigative experience, legal experience, audit experience and management experience. I think if you look at my resume and his resume, I pretty clearly have the edge on all those areas," he added.

It may be early to start thinking about the 2010 auditor race but Schweich said the contest will get more attention this cycle because of all the economic stimulus money pouring into Missouri.

"When you've got money going from President Obama to Claire McCaskill to Jay Nixon, I think you want a Republican auditing that money," he said.

With both Schweich and Icet in the race, Republicans will get their choice.

To watch our full interview with Tom Schweich, head to the KY3 Political Notebook.

By Tony Messenger

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

Tuesday, Jul. 07 2009

JEFFERSON CITY — Thomas Schweich got out of one race to avoid a primary, but it looks like the political neophyte will have to do battle with another
Republican anyway.

Schweich, a Washington University law professor and former ambassador under
President George W. Bush, plans to announce his candidacy for state auditor at
a news conference in St. Louis today.

He'll face state Rep. Allen Icet, R-Wildwood, for the right to run against
Democrat incumbent Auditor Susan Montee.

Ever since he decided not to run against Republican Congressman Roy Blunt for
the GOP slot in the 2010 U.S. Senate race, Schweich has been gathering campaign
support for a run for auditor, he said Monday.

"My résumé matches up really well with auditor," Schweich said.

Last week, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder forwarded a letter from Schweich to key
Republican supporters outlining why Schweich thought he'd be a good candidate
for auditor. He points to his legal background and federal work in the State
Department that included prosecution and auditing.

Schweich, 49, a native of Clayton, is a graduate of Yale University and Harvard
Law School. He and his wife, Kathy, have two children.

Schweich said he would make his candidacy official today in a fly-around that
starts in St. Louis and hits several cities in Missouri over two days. It's
Schweich's second such tour in a short period. In May, he and former Sen. John
C. Danforth traveled the state seeking support for a Senate challenge against
Blunt.

Schweich said he received a lot of positive feedback during that jaunt, though
he ultimately decided against what could have been a divisive primary.

Now, to face Montee in 2010, Schweich will have to get past Icet, who has led
the Missouri House's budget process for the past two years. Icet beat Schweich
to the punch in throwing his hat in the ring for auditor.

"I had hoped to avoid a primary and thought that the theme of party unity would
continue," Icet said. "Unfortunately, that's not the case."

As Schweich planned his official fly-around, Icet already was working to steal
some of his new rival's thunder. Icet said that today he would release a list
of about 80 House members endorsing his campaign for auditor.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009, 2:37 PM

By Steve Walsh

Former special U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Tom Schweich formally enters the Republican race for State Auditor in 2010 as he launches a whirlwind tour of nine Missouri cities in which he is announcing his candidacy.

Tuesday's events began with a kick-off announcement in Schweich's hometown of St. Louis, followed by stops in Columbia, Kansas City, and Springfield. Wednesday's scheduled stops are in Hannibal, Kirksville, St. Joseph, Joplin, and Cape Girardeau.

Schweich has never run for public office but did give some thought to the idea of running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-MO). In an interview with the Missourinet, Schweich said it was during the time he considered the Senate run that it was suggested he mull over the idea of running for State Auditor.

"At the same time I was looking at the Senate race," said Schweich. "A lot of people, both in the private sector - businesspeople - as well as public officials said, you know, with your background in investigations as a prosecutor - I've conducted financial audits - you really have the experience needed to be a credible candidate for Auditor and you ought to think about that."

Schweich believes that while financial audits are important, performance audits are needed, as well.

"When I was in the State Department in the Law Enforcement Bureau, I did performance and accounting audits of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars," said Schweich. "In order to really make sure taxpayer money is being well spent you don't just audit the books, you audit the way they're running the office."

Schweich is the second Republican in the race for State Auditor. Missouri House Budget Chairman Allen Icet (R-Wildwood) previously announced his intention to seek the office. Schweich is confident he will be able to raise the money needed to wage a competitive campaign.

Download/Listen: Steve Walsh interviews Ambassador Tom Schweich (8:00 MP3)