Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder threw his support behind Tom Schweich bid for state auditor.
Kinder, the only Republican currently serving in statewide office, made his support official today after the Washington University law professor announced the backing via a press release.
“Tom is a patriot who has served the American people uncovering the truth in the Waco Investigation, rooting out waste and fraud at the United Nations, and fighting drug trafficking, money laundering, and corrupt regimes around the world,” Kinder said in a statement. “He is fiscal conservative, respected author on financial responsibility and a rarity, in that he will be the impartial voice Missouri taxpayers deserve in the auditor’s office. I know Tom will be tenacious in rooting out waste, fraud and abuse, working everyday to protect taxpayers.”
It's fair to say that the race for the GOP nomination - which will also include House Budget Committee Chairman Allen Icet, R-Wildwood - will be a big test for Kinder's organization.
Kinder's political structure was instrumental in getting Blaine Luetkemeyer to Congress and a number of Republican candidates into the state Senate last year. The match against Icet - who has support of nearly every Republican state House member - could be test whether Kinder's organization is still strong enough to help others prevail.
Regardless, both Icet and Schweich face the task of upending incumbent state Auditor Susan Montee. Few downballot statewide incumbent ever lose re-election bids.
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