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Updated 2 p.m. Mon., Oct. 5: Republican state auditor candidate Tom Schweich got a pleasant surprise at his own fundraiser Sunday night, when the evening's emcee -- Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder -- read a complimentary letter from his party's best-known candidate for the U.S. Senate, Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Springfield.
Blunt has yet to endorse anyone for the GOP state auditor contest, which currently pits Schweich against state Rep. Allen Icet, R-Wildwood. (click here to read about Icet's kickoff this summer.) And from all accounts, the letter stopped short of making one -- instead, simply praising Schweich.
Blunt's action, say some Republicans privately, may be aimed at bolstering his standing among some of the influential heavy-hitters supporting Schweich. Those speaking at the event, which attracted over 200 and was held at the Ritz Carlton in Clayton, included: former Sen. John C. Danforth and former U.S. ambassadors Sam Fox, head of Harbour Group, and Bert Walker of Stifel Nicolaus.
Schweich would say only that he was surprised and pleased by Blunt's kind words.
The evening's major attraction was former UN ambassador/current commentator John Bolton, a favorite with conservatives. As the Beacon has reported earlier, Bolton has appeared at several fundraising events for Schweich, including a huge one a couple months ago in Springfield, Mo.
Schweich estimated that he raised about $150,000. About half of that money will be shown on his next campaign finance report, due Oct. 15, because the checks were received by the Sept. 30 deadline for donations.
Meanwhile, Blunt unveiled today his new campaign Web site. He also had his own high-profile event Saturday featuring fellow Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., who became famous after his shout-out during President Barack Obama's recent health care address.
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