Missouri auditor: Montee, Schweich square off for post

JEFFERSON CITY — Democratic Auditor Susan Montee and Republican challenger Tom Schweich have been campaigning in the shadows of the other statewide race on Missouri’s ballot.

Both have touted their work experience while proclaiming political independence. Their criticisms, meanwhile, have been relatively tame charges and countercharges focused on their opponent’s political ties and credentials.

Schweich, an attorney and former State Department official from St. Louis, has alternatively talked up his professional experience while working to create doubts about Montee’s impartiality. He was the chief of staff for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations and spent time working for the State Department combating corruption, narcotics or crime in several countries, including Afghanistan.

A first-time candidate, Schweich contends Montee cannot fairly review Missouri’s use of stimulus money, partly because the auditor was an early backer of Barack Obama’s presidential candidacy.

Montee, who is an attorney and an accountant, has fired back with her own charges.

She contends Schweich could be beholden to large campaign contributors such as Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and only jumped into the race after the GOP worked to keep him from running for the U.S. Senate.

She also contends Schweich is unqualified to be auditor because he is not a certified public accountant.

Both deny their opponents’ claims. Montee says she is independent and already has been critical of some uses of the stimulus. Schweich says there have been good auditors who were not accountants and that he is running because his skills are a good fit.

The Missouri auditor is responsible for reviewing state agencies, boards and commissions to ensure money is spent efficiently. The office also conducts performance audits focusing on agencies’ management practices.

Libertarian Charles Baum also is running for auditor.