2009: The Biggest Stories in Missouri Politics

It was the year of the stimulus, swine flu and in Springfield -- a controversial sales tax.

Three major Democrats took the reigns of power -- Barack Obama as president, Jay Nixon as governor and Jim O'Neal in the mayor's office in Springfield.

WATCH MY FINAL KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

***The Notebook's Top 10 Stories in Missouri Politics in 2009***

1. Sen. Kit Bond Retirement Announcement Spurs Shake-Up
2. E.Coli-gate
3. Sen. Claire McCaskill's summer townhall meetings
4. Tea Party rallies/movement
5. Sarah Steelman's decision not to run for U.S. Senate
6. Lawmakers resign amid corruption/ethical charges
7. Assault charge filed against former House Speaker Rod Jetton
8. Gov. Nixon's Budget Cuts
9. Billy Long's rise in the 7th District
10. Controversy over MIAC report


FINAL LIST still DEVELOPING . . .

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.

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.

Specific Jobs Difficult to Track on Stimulus Site

Tracking the federal economic stimulus package is more difficult than it sounds -- even on the government's slick website, Recovery.gov.

Point and click on the site, and the data keeps coming, by map, by graph, even by Congressional district. Greene County government has received about $757,000 according to the site. But it's difficult, however, to pinpoint the exact programs being funded and the jobs tied to them.

And some data is just incorrect. For instance, the site claims Missouri's 14th Congressional District has had five jobs saved or created. But there's no such thing as the 14th Congressional District.

Even government officials say the site is difficult to navigate. But the site does claim that to date, more than 15,000 jobs have been saved or created in Missouri due to the stimulus, including more than 300 in the 7th Congressional District.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

PLUS: BOTH GOP CANDIDATES FOR AUDITOR WEIGH IN

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.

Schweich Pledges To Fill Out Term If "Consensus Candidate"

A 2012 WARNING?

Republican candidate for Auditor Tom Schweich left open the possibility of vacating a potential first-term early and running for another office in 2012 if the GOP doesn't unite around his candidacy this time.

Asked whether he'd pledge to fulfill a complete 4-year term if elected, Schweich responded, "I've been very clear within the party. If the party unites behind me, I will fill out my term and I will help other candidates in 2012."

"If the party unites behind me," Schweich stressed.

"If somebody's actively opposing me and then I win the election, am I going to support that person in 2012? Well, no," he went on. "If I'm the consensus candidate, I have told everybody, I will fill out my term."

*VIEW THE EXCHANGE ABOVE*

***

The Notebook conducted interviews with both GOP candidates for Auditor Thursday.

NATO Summons Schweich

Republican candidate for Auditor Tom Schweich is heading to Germany to help NATO provide a training program on crime and corruption in Afghanistan.

Team Schweich made the announcement Monday in an e-mail to supporters.

The message says that Schweich would be taking "a few days off the campaign trail this week."

"Tom had the honor of being invited by the head of NATO training to go to Germany to provide a training program on crime and corruption in Afghanistan to NATO officers about to deploy to Afghanistan. In addition to his strong background in law enforcement, investigations, and audits, Tom is recognized as one of the world's leading experts on Afghanistan - having spent time there when he worked as an ambassador in the Bush Administration," reads the message.

The campaign e-mail also touts Schweich's record third quarter fundraising and his endorsement list, prominently featuring a quote by Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Roy Blunt.

"The momentum is building," reads the message. "In just a few days, Tom will be back on the campaign trail with his usual energy and enthusiasm."

Schweich is facing Budget Chair Allen Icet for the Republican nomination for State Auditor in 2010.

Icet Rolls Out Southwest Missouri Support

GOP State Auditor candidate Allen Icet touted endorsements from all his state House colleagues in the 7th Congressional district during a campaign swing through Southwest Missouri Tuesday.

Icet's campaign announced that Joplin State Rep. Marylin Ruestman and former Greene County Sheriff Jack Merritt would serve as his 7th District campaign chairs.

He also announced his grass roots captains in each county. In Greene County, they include City Councilman Nick Ibarra, Circuit Clerk Steve Helms as well as GOP stalwarts Thelma Neff and Larry Russell. Prosecutor Ron Cleek has signed on to help in Christian County.

Check out Icet's endorsement page on his website, where he has question marks over the names of some House colleagues who have not yet signed on. The page seems not to be up to date to include the public endorsements of lawmakers like Rep. Shane Schoeller, Rep. Eric Burlison and others.

Icet boasts 4 State Senate endorsements, but none from Southwest Missouri.
***
$$$ MONEY WATCH $$$: During the 3rd fundraising quarter, Icet raised a total $4,300 out of Southwest Missouri. Cassville Rep. David Sater donated $1000 and Marshfield Rep. Mike Cunningham donated $500.

Meanwhile Tom Schweich raised $88,575 out of Southwest Missouri zip codes.

Icet's Overall Burn Rate (% of Money Raised That's Already Been Spent): 42%
(Icet received two contributions totalling $31,000 after the Sept. 30th that are required to be reported but will show up on the 4th Quarter fundraising report.)
Tom Schweich's Overall Burn Rate: 7%

Icet is competing with former U.S. ambassador Tom Schweich for the GOP nomination.

Fundraising Cheat Sheets on Schweich & Long

AS WE WAIT
3rd Quarter campaign finance reports are expected to be posted throughout the day Thursday, but here's a quick peak at key statistics on two significant candidates who have already filed their paperwork.

Tom Schweich (R) Candidate for State Auditor
Raised: $349,029
Cash to Spend: $322,078
Burn Rate (% of money already spent): 4% ($13,206)
% of Reported Money Raised in Springfield: 20% ($71,550)
Largest Donation: $25,000 from Sam Fox
% of Donations of $2,000 or More: 71%

Billy Long (R) Candidate for 7th Congressional District
Raised: $103,919
Cash to Spend: $405,161
Burn Rate (% of money already spent - cycle to date): 10% ($46,575)
% of Reported Money Raised in Springfield (3rd Q): 48% ($49,450)
*Maximum donation in federal races for a primary is $2400/$4800 total

ALSO: 30th District State Senate Candidate Bob Dixon (R) files a 48-hour report Wednesday reporting a $30,000 contribution from Davis Properties.

Long Donating In Other GOP Primaries

Newly filed campaign finance reports show that 7th District Republican Congressional candidate Billy Long is spreading some of his wealth to other GOP candidates locked in contested primaries.

Long's third quarter report filed with the Federal Election Commission Wednesday shows he donated $2400 to Sen. Bill Stouffer's 4th District GOP primary effort.

Long said he decided to donate to Stouffer because he spent time with him within a few days of Congressman Ike Skelton's vote on cap and trade energy legislation. "I thought he was a good conservative," Long told The Notebook. "He asked if I could contribute and I said yes."

Stouffer is locked in a 4th District primary with former Rep. Vicky Hartzler and at least three other announced candidates.

"One of the things you don't do is get involved in another primary for Congress," said a political observer with ties to one of Long's rivals. "The Hartzler people will go ballistic, especially with the districts butting up against each other," this politico added.

***

Billy Long Auctions is also listed as a contributor to State Auditor candidate Tom Schweich. Schweich's report, filed Tuesday, shows Long Auctions donating $1,000 on August 24th.

Schweich is running against House Budget Chair Allen Icet for the GOP nomination for State Auditor.

Schweich Posts Strong Quarter

Raises $349,029 in Campaign for State Auditor

Boosted by strong establishment support within the Missouri GOP, former U.S. ambassador Tom Schweich announced he raised $349,029 during his first full fundraising quarter in his campaign for State Auditor.

The Schweich campaign is touting his total as "more than double" than the previous highest fundraising quarter for a State Auditor candidate, held by Claire McCaskill in January of 2002. McCaskill reported raising $171,040 (excluding personal loans) in January 2002, according to Schweich's release.

"I announced I was running for state auditor just twelve short weeks ago," said Schweich. "I am honored by the support I have received from voters across the state who believe my experience and my financial conservatism make me the best candidate to protect their tax dollars as Missouri’s next State Auditor," said Schweich in a statement.

Schweich's campaign noted "dozens of contributions" of less than $100.

Schweich is running the Republican primary against State House Budget Chair Allen Icet.

The winner will face Democratic incumbent Susan Montee in November 2010.

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.

Nodler Not Yet "Certain" Whether He'll Give Up Budget Chair

CAPITOL OBSERVERS BELIEVE HE'LL LIKELY RELINQUISH ROLE

State Senator and Congressional candidate Gary Nodler said he's not yet settled on a decision over whether to give up his Budget chairmanship next year, but is leaning "a certain direction."

Nodler, who was appointed Appropriations Chair in 2007, has touted his experience in crafting a budget in his campaign for the 7th Congressional District.

But allies of Nodler's opponents believe the Jasper County Senator should and will ultimately step down from the powerful chairmanship in order to avoid any potential conflicts as he ramps up his U.S. House campaign.

"I'll decide well before the session starts," Nodler said in an interview. "It wouldn't be appropriate for me to make a public statement now before I meet with members of my caucus."

Nodler said his final decision could come by November. "I've not made a certain decision yet. I'm leaning in a certain direction," he said.

Sen. Rob Mayer, vice-chair of Appropriations, said he's spoken to Nodler about the chairmanship on a few occasions over the past year.

"He has indicated that at some point later this year, he'd look at whether or not to return to the position or step down," Sen. Mayer said. "He said he'd make a decision later in the year."

Mayer, of Dexter, said that Senate GOP leader Charlie Shields is well aware of his desire to become chairman if Nodler chooses to step down.

Some of Nodler's opponents have privately suggested that the Senator is hanging onto the chairmanship for as long as possible for fundraising purposes.

House Budget Chair Allen Icet seems determined to hang on to his powerful position in the lower chamber as he runs for State Auditor next year. But supporters of Icet's primary opponent, Tom Schweich, have cried fowl. "It brings into question the concept of pay to play," GOP donor Neal Etheridge told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch recently.

Nodler said he's received no pressure from Senate leadership to step aside. But multiple sources say that Nodler will likely relinquish the chairmanship before the year is out.

"I've got a pretty good idea of how it's going to play out," Nodler said. "It's just a bit premature to talk about it right now."

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.

Bolton Coming to Springfield for Schweich

Former U.N. ambassador John Bolton will hold a fundraiser in Springfield next month for Republican candidate for auditor Tom Schweich, The Notebook has learned.

Bolton served as the U.N. ambassador under the Bush administration as a recess appointment, but resigned when he could not receive U.S. Senate approval to continue. Previous to that, he was under secretary of state for arms control and international security. He now serves as a scholar with the American Enterprise Institute, a neoconservative public policy think tank in Washington, D.C.

UPDATED: "Tom and I worked to reform the United Nations by rooting out waste, fraud and corruption,” Bolton said. “I have no doubt that Tom would do the same to protect Missourians from waste, fraud and corruption as their state auditor," Bolton said in a statement released by the Schweich campaign Wednesday afternoon.

A knowledgeable Republican tells The Notebook the fundraiser for Schweich is set for September 8th. The release says that Bolton will speak for Schweich at two separate events in Springfield.

In 2004, Schweich received a presidential appointment as chief of staff of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York. While there, he worked for three U.N. ambassadors: Jack Danforth, Anne Patterson, and John R. Bolton.

Schweich is running for the GOP nomination for state auditor against State Rep. Allen Icet.

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.