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.