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.