SPRINGFIELD -- A virtual unknown threw his hat into Missouri's race for state auditor.  Former U.S. Ambassador Tom Schweich is one of two announced Republicans who will try to unseat incumbent Democrat Susan Montee next year.

Schweich stopped in Springfield on Tuesday to make his official announcement as part of a two-day statewide tour.  Schweich's background consists of fighting terrorism and corruption overseas in Afghanistan. Now he says he'll use those skills to make sure President Obama's stimulus package is being spent as intended.

A few months ago, Schweich was poised to challenge Congressman Roy Blunt for a shot at the U.S. Senate but, after hammering out a deal with party leaders, Schweich cleared one Republican Party primary and created another.

"I'm in the race, I'm in for good. I'm seeing it through to the end, and I think I'm going to win," Schweich said during his stop here.

His entrance sets up a primary battle against Republican House Budget Chair Allen Icet, who released a list of more than 80 endorsements from state lawmakers on Tuesday.

"You look at that type of support, it's not an accident. You get that support because you've earned it and Allen's earned it in how he's handled the budget. And he's been a watchdog in that role," said Rep. Shane Schoeller, R-Willard, who is among the House members backing Icet.

Schweich makes the point that, as a fresh face, he's removed any hint of partiality towards programs, and notes his resume is hard to match.

"The auditor is really not about appropriations," Schweich said in a not-so-subtle slap against Icet.  "The auditor is about investigative experience, legal experience, audit experience and management experience. I think if you look at my resume and his resume, I pretty clearly have the edge on all those areas," he added.

It may be early to start thinking about the 2010 auditor race but Schweich said the contest will get more attention this cycle because of all the economic stimulus money pouring into Missouri.

"When you've got money going from President Obama to Claire McCaskill to Jay Nixon, I think you want a Republican auditing that money," he said.

With both Schweich and Icet in the race, Republicans will get their choice.

To watch our full interview with Tom Schweich, head to the KY3 Political Notebook.

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