Wrap: Despite not being a Certified Public Accountant, Tom Schweich's campaign manager argues that he's the most qualified candidate to ever run for state auditor.

His background includes a law degree from Harvard and he wrote books discussing busniess law and avoiding financial risks.

He also held the title of Chief of Staff in both the Waco Texas investigations and the United States Mission to the United Nations.

Not too mention facing corruption and drug trade in Afghanistan and teaching at Washington University School of Law.

As for not being a CPA, Schweich says he doesn't think he'll be at a disadvantage because he has worked on audits with CPAs for much of his life.

Schweich also says he has what CPAs in the state auditor's office could use.

But during the only debate between the auditor candidates, his Democratic opponent and current state auditor Susan Montee criticized Schweich's lack of accounting experience.

But Schweich later dismissed that attack.

Former ambassador to the United Nations and United States Senator Jack Danforth is one of Schweich's many endorsers who raves about his qualifications.

Besides working along side Schweich at the St. Louis Bryan Cave law firm, Danforth appointed Schweich as his chief of staff during the Waco Texas investigation.

The two have known each other for more than twenty-five years.

He also says he thinks Missourians are not concerned whether a Republican or Democrat holds the office of state auditor.

Schweich agrees.

Still Schweich says he is a Republican and will support Republican causes independent from his auditing activities.

Beside Danforth is Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, another major GOP player supporting Schweich.

Kinder says his own campaign has donated nearly one quarter of a million dollars to the "Schweich for Auditor" campaign fund.  

Kinder added:

Kinder says the Missouri state auditor's office could benefit from someone like Schweich and Danforth agrees:

Schweich has never held a public elected office but Danforth says he doesn't think this is a problem.

He says the job calls for ability and someone who can do a good job and this is Tom Schweich.

Danforth is also familiar with Schweich's family.

Schweich says he and his family are pretty private.

Schweich has two children, Emilie is eighteen and Thomas Jr. is twelve.

They both attend the very schools their parents met at years ago.

In his spare time Schweich says he likes to spend time increasing his coin and autograph collection.

He also plays guitar and has an enormous interest in history.  

If elected Schweich says he must first talk things over with his family, but he plans to commute to the office in Jefferson City.

From the sate Capitol, I'm Molly Boland.