Tom Schweich in Cape Girardeau today to announce candidacy for state auditor

Former State Department official Tom Schweich will be in Cape Girardeau today to announce his candidacy for state auditor. Schweich, a Republican, will appear at 4:45 p.m. at the old federal courthouse at 339 Broadway. The stop is the last one on a two-day tour of the state that Schweich began Tuesday to announce his candidacy. Republican House Budget Committee chairman Allen Icet already is in the contest. Schweich, 48, is a St. Louis lawyer, author and college instructor who initially had considered running for the seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Kit Bond. He had the encouragement of his mentor, former senator John Danforth. But Schweich decided last month to defer to Rep. Roy Blunt to avoid a divisive GOP Senate primary.

Pertinent address: 339 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO