Davis Drops Auditor Speculation, Backs Icet

ATTACKS SCHWEICH
SUGGESTS HE SHOULD HAVE FILED AS A DEM

Republican State Representative Cynthia Davis announced Monday she is passing on a bid for State Auditor and endorsing her House colleague Rep. Allen Icet in his 2010 campaign.

Davis also questioned the "conservative credentials" of Icet's GOP rival for the nomination, Tom Schweich, and suggested the former U.S. ambassador is running for office in the wrong party.

"Allen is the best candidate Missourians could ask for in a State Auditor. Not only is Allen a proven fiscal conservative, but he is the only candidate who has experience in balancing a state budget," Davis said in a statement first obtained by The Notebook.

Davis also took a swipe at Schweich for his ties to Washington and for making a past campaign donation to the auditor campaign of Democrat Claire McCaskill. When Schweich flirted with a U.S. Senate run earlier this year, allies to Congressman Roy Blunt floated the same attack against Schweich to degrade his credibility within the party.

"I don't understand how Republican voters could support someone who came out of the bureaucratic morass of Washington, D.C. where Schweich has been for many years before showing up expecting to be anointed to win a statewide office," Davis said.

"Worse, he expects Missouri Republicans to support him, when he donated money to and supported Democrat Claire McCaskill and praised President Obama for choosing what Schweich called 'an all-star cabinet.' Given Schweich's support for the president and Claire McCaskill, he might have been more comfortable filing in the Democratic primary," Davis said.

In a brief phone conversation, Schweich said twice he had no comment on any of Davis' remarks.

Icet and Schweich are in the middle of a heated primary battle which has divided the establishment ranks of the Missouri Republican Party. While Icet is backed by most of his colleagues in the State House, Schweich has picked up some endorsements from GOP Senators and is backed by Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder and former U.S. Senator Jack Danforth.

Schweich has also racked up a commanding fundraising advantage over Icet, but recently rubbed some in his party the wrong way by sending unclear signals about whether he would fill out a full term if elected.

With her announcement, Davis ended any speculation about her own intentions to run for statewide office in 2010.

"I plan on being a candidate in 2010, but not for Missouri State Auditor," Davis said.

Schweich Takes 5 to 4 Advantage on Senate Backers

"Impresses The Hell Out Of People"

GOP candidate for Auditor Tom Schweich picked up the endorsements of five State Senators Thursday, including Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields.

"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, an early backer of Schweich's candidacy.

State Senators Brad Lager, R-Savannah; Delbert Scott, R-Lowry City; Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia; Bill Stouffer, R-Napton; and Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph all endorsed Schweich Thursday.

SEN. LAGER: “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. 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."

SEN. SCHAEFER: "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.”

***

Schweich is battling GOP House Budget Chair Allen Icet for the right to take on Democratic Auditor Susan Montee next year.

According to Icet's website, he has the endorsement of four State Senators, including Sen. Jim Lembke, Sen. Jason Crowell, Sen. Luann Ridgeway and Sen. John Griesheimer.

Schweich Explains Fundraising Advantage

Republican candidate for Auditor Tom Schweich says his fundraising advantage over Rep. Allen Icet is fueled by "rank and file Republicans. But Icet says it's due to former Sen. John Danforth's rolodex.

*WATCH CLIPS ABOVE*

"It's not coming from PACs, it's not coming from other politicians like some of my competitors. It's coming from rank and file Republicans," said Schweich.

"One of his main assets, if you will, is John Danforth," responded Icet. "Sen. Danforth has a great rolodex."

BOTH Schweich and Icet have been concentrating their efforts on Springfield. Schweich said he's been to the Queen City between 10 and 15 times already. Icet said he's been to Springfield as many as three times in one week.

"They Don't Want Allen to go Anywhere"

Republican candidate for state auditor Allen Icet pointed to House leadership as a reason why he's not relinquishing his Budget Committee chairmanship during the 2010 legislative session.

"It's one of those why change horses in the middle of the stream kind of thought. And, if you were to talk to the House leadership, the Speaker of the House, the Majority Floor Leader, I would be fairly certain that they will tell you in no uncertain terms, 'They don't want Allen to go anywhere,'" Icet said in an interview last week.

*WATCH ICET & SCHWEICH ABOVE*

"They want Allen to stay right where he is because they need those four years of experience to get through the fifth year," Icet said.

ON THURSDAY: Icet's GOP primary opponent, Tom Schweich said the decision was one Icet needed to make. But after a back-and-forth, a day later, Schweich was encouraging Icet to abandon the chairmanship.

Schweich Thursday: "You'll have to talk to Allen about that. That's a personal decision he has to make . . . The question is will it create an appearance of impropriety . . . That's really not my decision at all."

Schweich Friday: "There is no way an appropriations or budget chair running for higher office can avoid the appearance of impropriety while accepting contributions from lobbyists and special interests who have business in the budget process . . . I encourage him to do the right thing and step down as budget chair while he pursues the office of state auditor."

Robb Chides Schweich

"Appalled by Schweich's Ignorant Request"

Former State House lawmaker Ed Robb is calling Tom Schweich's request for Rep. Allen Icet to relinquish his Budget Chairmanship "ignorant."

Robb fired off a letter to the editor to the state's six largest newspapers and The Notebook Sunday night that defends Icet's decision to stay on as Budget chairman. Icet and Schweich are vying for the GOP nomination for State Auditor in 2010.

"As a former vice-chair of the House Appropriations Committee, and more importantly, as a Missouri taxpayer, I was appalled to read Tom Schweich's criticism of my former colleague Allen Icet's selfless decision to remain House Appropriations chair through the next legislative session," Robb wrote.

"Perhaps, however, I should forgive Schweich for his ignorance. After all, he's never had anything to do with the state budget," Robb continued.

On Friday, Schweich encouraged Icet to relinquish the post after Sen. Gary Nodler, a candidate for the 7th Congressional District, said he would step aside as the Senate's top budget crafter in order to avoid any potential conflicts during a campaign.

"There is no way an appropriations or budget chair running for higher office can avoid the appearance of impropriety while accepting contributions from lobbyists and special interests who have business in the budget process," Schweich said in a statement released hours after Icet criticized the former U.S. ambassador for his loyalty to the Republican Party.

But Robb said "the easy way out for Allen would be to resign the chairmanship."

"By doing so, he could spend far more time campaigning, and he could avoid politically difficult decisions. To Allen's credit, he is not taking the past of least resistance. Instead, he's staying on because he has the most experience and is the best person to lead our state through this difficult budget cycle," Robb said.

"Kudos to Allen for having the courage to resist his opponent's ignorant request. And shame on Tom Schweich for putting politics above what's best for Missouri taxpayers," Robb said.

In his letter, Robb even goes further in his critique of Schweich by questioning his credentials and attempting to tie him to the Washington, D.C. beltway.

"How could he know how difficult the job is," Robb asks. "He wasn't there in 2005 when Allen helped save our state from the brink of fiscal disaster. In fact, Schweich has never worked in Missouri state government, where our state constitution requires balanced budgets and difficult decisions can neither be ducked nor deferred," he wrote.

"Instead, Schweich has spent his time in Washington, D.C. and Turtle Bay - where balanced budgets are the rare exception rather than the rule and there's always a bailout available by pushing the costs of rising deficits onto future generations of Americans," he said.

Robb's letter in the latest shot fired in a GOP primary for auditor that has intensified over the last five days.

Icet & Schweich Trade Fire

TEMPERATURE RISING AFTER KY3 INTERVIEW

Rep. Allen Icet pledged to serve a full-term as State Auditor if elected next year and took a shot at his Republican rival for issuing "threats" during the primary contest.

Icet's comments come a day after his GOP opponent Tom Schweich told The Ky3 Political Notebook that he would serve a full-term, with the condition that the party unites around him in 2010 as the "consensus candidate." Watch the interview clip HERE.

"After we win next year, I will work hard to reach out to all Republicans to build a consensus effort to take back the Auditor's office," Icet said in a statement. "I will not hold any grudges. My opponent seems to think the best way to unite our party is through threats. That type of short-sighted selfish thinking does not strengthen parties, it destroys them," Icet went on.

A few hours later, Schweich sent out a statement, seemingly designed to change the storyline, commending Sen. Gary Nodler for relinquishing his Appropriations Committee chairmanship Friday.

The Notebook reported Thursday night that after months of speculation Nodler would step down, in order to avoid any potential conflicts while running for Congress.

"I commend Sen. Nodler for his decision to step down as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee while he seeks higher office. He has proven himself to be a man of ethics and integrity. There is no way an appropriations or budget chair running for higher office can avoid the appearance of impropriety while accepting contributions from lobbyists and special interests who have business in the budget process," Schweich said in a statement.

"The state auditor is required to be independent of all outside influences. Unfortunately, Rep. Icet. has chosen a different course. I encourage him to do the right thing and step down as budget chair while he pursues the office of state auditor," Schweich went on.

In an interview Thurday, Icet reaffirmed his decision to stay on as House Budget Chair and said GOP leadership have encouraged him to remain in the post in 2010 as lawmakers navigate an extremely difficult budgetary year.

Schweich has pledged to recuse himself from any audit involving a contributor to his campaign.

But Icet's campaign said that Schweich's comments signal that he views the Auditor office as a potential stepping-stone. "Though my opponent might view the job as a mere stepping-stone to get back inside the D.C. Beltway, I believe it's one of the most important jobs in Missouri - and a job worthy of my full attention," Icet said.

Republicans will choose between Icet and Schweich as their nominee next August. The winner will take on Democratic incumbent Susan Montee.

Icet Channels Sherman

House Budget Chair Allen Icet said Thursday that he's in the race for State Auditor until the end, no matter what pressure he receives from party leaders to step aside.

"I'm in this until the end," Icet said unequivocally. "In asking those colleagues who've endorsed me, they've in effect put their name on the line saying, 'we think Allen's a good guy.' They've invested in me if you will, so I'm in this until the end."

ADDS: "I can't guarantee much, but I will guarantee you, I'm not getting out."

*WATCH CLIP ABOVE*

ALSO: Says one man is responsible for his financial disadvantage:

Sen. Jack Danforth

***

Icet is facing former U.S. ambassador Tom Schweich in the GOP primary for State Auditor. While Icet has the backing of most of his colleagues in the State House, Schweich enjoys support from Danforth and Lieutenant Gov. Peter Kinder.

Icet Campaigning in Springfield Tuesday

GOP Auditor candidate Allen Icet will hold a meet and greet Tuesday morning at Springfield Victory Mission's Cook's Kettle restaurant.

Cook's Kettle, operated by the Mission's trade school, is located at 1715 North Boonville in Springfield.

Icet's campaign says the House Budget Chair will be meeting with potential voters at 7:30 a.m. as part of a swing through Southwest Missouri. Icet is campaigning in Joplin Monday night.

Icet is competing with Tom Schweich for the 2010 GOP Auditor nomination.

Former Sen. Melton Backs Schweich

Former 29th District State Senator Emory Melton is endorsing Tom Schweich in the Republican primary for Auditor.

"The position of auditor is one of the most important elements of the executive branch," said Melton, the Cassville Senator who served from 1972 to 1997. "The experience Tom has had in the field of auditing far surpasses all the other candidates," he added.

Melton is considered a local GOP legend of sorts in Barry County. He represented 11 Southwest Missouri counties before retiring from office ans served on the Senate Appropriations Committee during his tenure.

"Sen. Melton is a true statesman who has dedicated his life to protecting Missouri taxpayers," said Schweich in a statement. "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 battling State House member Allen Icet in the 2010 GOP primary for State Auditor.

A spokesman for Icet said on Wednesday that the campaign was still tallying up their 3rd quarter fundraising efforts.

Top Springfield Fundraisers Lining Up for Schweich

PLUS, BELOW: STEELE & BLUNT CAMPS MAKE PEACE

Some of the top Republican fundraisers in Springfield are lining up behind Tom Schweich's candidacy for Auditor and are expected to help him raise around $100,000 at an event featuring former U.N. ambassador John Bolton early next month.

Elaine & Loren Cook, Virginia & Bill Darr, Glenda & Gordon Elliot, Betty & Neal Ethridge, Susan & John Gentry, Caroline & Louis Greisemer, Jeff Layman, Ken Meyer, Jennifer & Joe Passanise and Debbie & Tom Sutherland are all listed, among others, as event sponsors of Schweich's September 8th fundraiser at Springfield's Tower Club, according to an invitation obtained by The Notebook.

Susy & Tom Barr, Rita & Noel Boyd, Mary Kay & Terry Meek, Patti & Al Penny and Anne & Dee Wampler are all listed as event hosts for Schweich.

The names are more evidence of the divide among establishment Republicans in the GOP primary for Auditor. Most state House members have endorsed Budget Chair Allen Icet. To date, most Republican Senators are not committed.

***

MORE FUNDRAISER DEETS: On September 8th, Bolton and Schweich will hold a private roundtable discussion with photo opportunities at 7:30 a.m. The general luncheon will begin around 11:30 a.m.

The Notebook has also learned that GOP consultant Weston McKee will run Schweich's campaign.

ALSO: Schweich was back in Springfield Tuesday for a fundraiser for Sen. Jack Danforth's political action committee, the Republican Leadership Council. Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder spoke at the event and was well-recieved, according to a person who attended.

OTHER BUZZ AT THE EVENT: THE STEELE-JERICHO SAGA . . . GOP sources say the Blunt and Steele camps have already made peace over the lightning-rod appearance on Vincent David Jericho's radio program Friday. Yet there's still a divide over whether it was blown out of proportion or whether Steele made a considerable gaafe.

AND: STRAIGHT TALK? Upper echelon Republicans realize that a Roy Blunt U.S. Senate victory next year is not close to a "lock," but stress that internal polling shows the race to be "very winnable." Basically, despite divides among constituencies within the Republican Party and a non-stop assault from the left on Blunt, GOPers believe that the choice will inevitably come down to whether you want to give the national Democratic Party another Senator. Emboldened by cap & trade and the healthcare debate, Republicans believe that choice "is going to be very favorable for the Republican." And as one said, "And it's a choice that even the Vincent David Jerichos of the world are going to have to make."

Forget The Fair

Both GOP candidates for state auditor were in Springfield this week courting support.

Rep. Allen Icet was in Springfield Thursday night, attending an event for Springfield Rep. Eric Burlison; Tom Schweich was here Tuesday night courting potential fundraisers.

Icet was a guest at a "thank-you" barbeque for Burlison's supporters at the Executive Conference Center. Schweich was spotted at Metropolitan Grill, where he was hobnobbing with local GOPers.

***

Most House Republicans have lined up behind Icet, who is the Budget Chair. But after dropping a challenge to Roy Blunt in the U.S. Senate contest, Schweich was able to negotiate the support of Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder. Schweich is now seen as a real contender because of his fundraising ability. And the 2010 GOP primary for auditor is viewed as a test of Kinder's political muscle and sway as a new leader of a party trying to regroup and rebuild itself.

Kinder Endorses Schweich

The highest level Republican in Jefferson City has endorsed Tom Schweich over Rep. Allen Icet in the GOP primary for state auditor.

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder announced his endorsement of Schweich in a morning press release sent out by the former U.S. ambassador.

Kinder's endorsement of Schweich is no surprise. He was one of the leaders who helped engineer the deal that pushed Schweich out of the U.S. Senate race against Roy Blunt and into the state auditor race. Schweich hinted he'd be receiving some high-level endorsements during his campaign kick-off last week.

"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 the endorsement 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," Kinder went on.

On the same day Schweich announced his own candidacy, Icet released the names of more than 80 state lawmakers who have signed on to back him.

Kinder's endorsement confirms the divide within the elected Republican establishment over the race for state auditor.

"I am honored that the top ranking Republican in Missouri state government has chosen to endorse my campaign for state auditor," Schweich said. "The Lt. Governor is an accomplished patriot who has taken the time to speak with me about my qualifications and fiscal conservatism, and his vote of confidence is very encouraging," Schweich added.

VIDEO: Schweich Promises Significant Endorsements

"I'm seeing it through to the end . . .

. . . And I think I'm going to win"

Trumpeting an impressive resume and heightening the importance of a diligent watchdog to keep track of a record amount of federal stimulus money, former U.S. ambassador Tom Schweich launched his campaign for state auditor Tuesday, trading one GOP primary for another.

*WATCH CLIPS OF HIS KICK-OFF COMMENTS ABOVE*

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Schweich coupled his international ambassador experience with his legal expertise to make the case that he's the most qualified person to comb the state books. He implied that the 2010 Auditor race would be even more important than usual because of the fallout from the infusion of the economic stimulus money and signaled that a Republican was needed as a proper check and balance to offset the Democratic influence of President Obama, Gov. Jay Nixon and Sen. Claire McCaskill.

Schweich dismissed concerns that he's not a certified public accountant and instead focused on his legal degree, which he earned from Harvard Law. After discussing his earlier consideration of a U.S. Senate race, he promised to stay "in the race for good."

Schweich's entrance into the race immediately sets up a GOP primary battle with Rep. Allen Icet, who currently serves as Budget Chair in the State House.

BELOW: ONE-ON-ONE WITH SCHWEICH

HINTS "SIGNIFICANT" ENDORSEMENTS COMING

In our interview, Schweich would not reveal what prominent state officials would be endorsing his campaign. But it's expected that Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder could officially throw his support behind Schweich within the next few weeks. "You'll see who they'll be," Schweich said.

Schweich declined to discuss who paid for the plane for his flyaround.

ON MATCHING UP WITH ICET: "The Auditor is really not about appropriations . . . I think if you look at my resume and his resume, I pretty clearly have the edge . . ."

ON WHAT REASONS VOTERS HAVE TO OUST DEMOCRATIC AUDITOR SUSAN MONTEE: "When you've got money going from President Obama to Claire McCaskill to Jay Nixon, I think you want a Republican auditing that money."

*WATCH FULL INTERVIEW ABOVE*

PLUS: Poo-poos accountant credentials, notes McCaskill wasn't a CPA either.

Icet Releases "Courageous" Endorsements as Schweich Announces

State Representative Allen Icet released a long list of endorsements from his House GOP colleagues for his bid for state auditor on the same day rival Tom Schweich kicked off his campaign for same office.

Icet's list includes 80 State House members and 2 State Senators. House Speaker Ron Richard, Speaker Pro Tem Bryan Pratt and Majority Floor Leader Steve Tilley are all on the list behind Icet.

All of Springfield's Republican State representatives are also on board.

Icet also announced support from State Sen. Jim Lembke and Sen. Jason Crowell.

"I am honored and gratified today to release the following endorsements of my campaign to be the next Auditor of the State of Missouri. The list of colleagues in the Missouri House speaks for itself. The support from this group of proven leaders is a great testament of their faith in my ability to be the next Missouri State Auditor. These hard working men and women and I have worked together in Jefferson City to bring common sense conservative leadership to Missouri's future. They have witnessed first hand my conservative principles and that's why they are supporting my campaign," said Icet.

Icet also noted that "each one of these leader have proven campaign operations on the ground." "The type of grassroots organization will prove to be invaluable as I work diligently to take my message of fiscal restraint and reform to all four corners of this great states. I will work hard during this campaign to make each and every one of these respected lawmakers proud of their courageous and important endorsement of my campaign," he added.

Icet was first elected to the State House in 2002 and became Budget Chair in 2005.

Former U.S. ambassador Tom Schweich is touring the state Tuesday to announce his own campaign for the GOP nomination for state auditor. Schweich is scheduled to be in Springfield at 4:30 p.m.

Schweich To Announce For Auditor Tuesday

Former U.S. ambassador Tom Schweich will formally announce his campaign for state auditor during a two-day statewide tour beginning Tuesday.

Schweich will kick off his campaign in St. Louis Tuesday, followed by stops in Columbia, Kansas City and Springfield.

In May, Schweich, with the backing of former U.S. Senator Jack Danforth, explored challenging Congressman Roy Blunt for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2010. But last month, Schweich came to an agreement with party leaders to run for state auditor instead, after throwing his support behind Blunt's effort.

Schweich has a 10 a.m. news conference scheduled at the Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch on Tuesday. He's scheduled to be at the University Plaza in Springfield at 4:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, Schweich's tour continues with stops in Hannibal, Kirksville, St. Joseph, Joplin and Cape Girardeau.

Schweich's announcement sets up a GOP primary match-up against House Budget Chair Allen Icet, who launched his campaign just days after Schweich agreed to get out of the race against Blunt.

The winner will likely face Democratic incumbent Susan Montee.

Schweich Touts Establishment Encouragement in Ramp Up for Auditor Campaign

In the strongest signal yet he'll launch a bid for auditor, former U.S. ambassador Tom Schweich is signaling to Republicans across the state that he has the quiet support of top GOP officeholders for a statewide campaign.
***
In an e-mail forwarded to Republicans by Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, obtained by The Notebook, Schweich outlines six principals he'd follow as an auditor while also making a pitch for his electability.

"I am clearly the best candidate to win statewide in November. But I need your support to get there. I am asking for your assistance and endorsement for my campaign for Missouri State Auditor," Schweich writes.

Schweich also notably touts support from the upper echelon of the Missouri Republican Party. "The reception I have received so far shows my message of experience and integrity is connecting with Missourians. I already have received encouragement from Sen. Kit Bond, Congressman Roy Blunt, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and many other well-known Missouri Republicans," Schweich goes on.

Schweich said he has the following six traits needed to be an effective auditor: fiscal conservatism, legal experience, investigative experience, audit experience, management experience and impartiality.

"I am a fiscal hawk who will root out waste, fraud and abuse and protect you, the taxpayer. My unmatched experience, fairness and record of doing the right things for the right reasons prove it. As auditor, I will put your needs as the taxpayer first and be the rough, fair-minded and efficient advocate you deserve," Schweich writes. "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."

"Earlier this year, I was encouraged by a group of patriotic and well-known Missouri Republicans - conservatives and moderates alike - to become a new face in Missouri politics. I initially considered a run for U.S. Senate given my global experience. But working together and party unity is far more important to me than individual gain. The only question that really matters is: "What is best for the people of Missouri?"

Schweich's e-mail also includes his biography and a campaign e-mail account.

At the top of the e-mail, there is a note from Kinder, which reads the following:
"Dear Friends, The following letter came across my desk and I wanted to share it with you. I have met Tom Schweich and he has a very impressive background that highlights a dedication to public service and a commitment to truth and integrity. In the future I hope you have the opportunity to meet him in person."

***

After harshly criticizing Congressman Roy Blunt, Schweich cut a deal with top party leaders to drop out of the race in exchange for support for a campaign for auditor. Four days later, GOP House Budget Chair Allen Icet announced his own campaign for auditor, in what was seen as a pre-emptive strike to get out ahead of Schweich.
***

A Republican source tells The Notebook that Schweich was initially upset and caught off guard by Icet's announcement, and while allies of both sides were reportedly trying to come to an agreement to avoid a primary, a separate Republican said both are now expected to run.

The Notebook was first to report Schweich's potential campaign for auditor on June 11th, the same day he dropped out of the race for U.S. Senate.

Icet Running For Auditor

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) -- House Budget Committee Chairman Allen Icet is running for Missouri auditor.

The lawmaker from the St. Louis suburb of Wildwood is the first Republican to declare his intentions to challenge Democratic Auditor Susan Montee in 2010.

Icet first was elected to the House in 2002 and is prohibited by term limits from seeking re-election. He has served as budget committee chairman since 2005.

Icet touted his experience in crafting the budget while announcing his candidacy for auditor.

Montee said earlier this spring that she plans to seek election to a second four-year term as auditor.

Schweich Confirms He's Mulling Auditor Bid

Former U.S. ambassador Tom Schweich confirmed to the KY3 Political Notebook Friday morning that he's considering a campaign for state Auditor in 2010.

Schweich, who announced he would not challenge Congressman Roy Blunt for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate Thursday, said an Auditor bid is something he is seriously considering -- but that no final decision has been made.

"During the course of my evaluation to run for Senate, many people in the private and public sector suggested to me that I consider running for Auditor," Schweich said in an interview. "As a result of that, I'm looking at the possibilities for me in that race."

On Thursday, The Notebook reported that Schweich cut a deal with Blunt allies to win support for the state race in order to avoid a contentious U.S. Senate primary.

"Roy never told me to run for Auditor," Schweich said. "This was a natural process, that involved natural questions a potential candidate would ask. People are going to call it a deal, they can call it whatever they want to call it. Really it was a shift away from the Senate idea to another possibility," Schweich added.

Schweich did not say whether he would run for Auditor if he knew he would have a Republican primary opponent. He said that question was something he hadn't even fully considered yet.

When asked how Schweich expected to maintain his credibility after launching such tough criticism against Blunt just a few weeks before endorsing him, the St. Louis law professor said he always did what he said he was going to do.

"I traveled around the state, I talked to a lot of people and everybody said that this would be a divisive primary. After meeting with Roy, I'm satisfied that he'll be able to address the concerns I had. But the main thing is, I wanted to give him a clear path," Schweich said.

Thursday evening, Sen. Jack Danforth, who was Schweich's top backer for Senate, also threw his support behind Blunt at a glitzy "who's who" GOP fundraiser in St. Louis.

As a former diplomat and negotiator, Schweich is completely aware that some of his statements will likely be used against himself and Blunt going forward, but noted that he always called the Ozarks Congressman "patriotic and a fine man."

"I've been in politics about six weeks, but I have no doubt that they will use this against him and I don't doubt they'll use it against me, but they fail to recognize the process I said I'd go through," Schweich said.

On the Auditor race, Schweich said he wants to decide pretty quickly. A formal decision is expected in the coming weeks.

No other Republican has officially announced a candidacy. Democratic Auditor Susan Montee has said she'll pursue a second term.

Lager Definitely Running In 2010 . . .

. . . FOR SOMETHING

But this time the State Senator has to choose whether to play it safe or roll statewide.

The 2008 Republican nominee for Treasurer faces Senate re-election in 2010, but he's also seriously exploring a run for State Auditor.

"It's a tougher decision, and to be honest, I haven't made any decision," Sen. Brad Lager tells The Notebook.

Adding: "I'm absolutely considering it. There's a lot of people that are going to be considering it."

*WATCH FULL EXCHANGE ABOVE*

Sen. Matt Bartle is also mentioned as a potential Republican contender. Democratic State Auditor Susan Montee recently announced her intentions to seek a second term.