Missouri’s political class came together Thursday to express their grief following the death of state auditor Tom Schweich.
Schweich, a Republican who announced recently that he intended to run for governor, died Thursday of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
Gov. Jay Nixon (D) released this statement:
I join all Missourians in mourning the passing of State Auditor Tom Schweich, a brilliant, devoted and accomplished public servant who dedicated his career to making Missouri and the world a better place. From his courageous work to combat the illegal drug trade abroad in Afghanistan to his tireless efforts to protect the interests of taxpayers here in Missouri, Tom Schweich’s exceptional intellect and unwavering dedication to public service left a legacy that will endure for many years to come. The First Lady and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Tom’s wife Kathy and two children, Emilie and Thomas, Jr.
Others offered condolences for Schweich’s family:
Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) tweeted:
I am very sad and hurt so much for Tom Schweich’s family. Good man. Dedicated public servant. Hug those you love.
— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) February 26, 2015
Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) wrote:
Tom Schweich was very smart, very capable, outstanding at his job, and a good friend.
— Senator Roy Blunt (@RoyBlunt) February 26, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathy, their children, and the rest of Tom’s friends and family as they deal with this tragic loss.
— Senator Roy Blunt (@RoyBlunt) February 26, 2015
Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) wrote:
I am shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news about State Auditor Tom Schweich. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.
— Ann Wagner (@RepAnnWagner) February 26, 2015
Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) also released a statement:
“Today, Missouri lost a man who was a true public servant through and through. Tom Schweich, a fifth-generation Missourian, is someone who would fight day and night to better our great state. Tom will always be remembered as a true conservative and a loving and devoted father and husband. He will be deeply missed by his colleagues, and friends, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.”
Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) wrote:
Shocked and saddened by the news of Tom’s passing. He was a true public servant and a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Rep. Jason Smith (@RepJasonSmith) February 26, 2015
Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) wrote:
Heartbroken to hear of @TomSchweichMO passing. My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to his family and friends.
— Rep. Vicky Hartzler (@RepHartzler) February 26, 2015
Rep. Lacy Clay (D-MO) wrote:
Shocked by tragic death of Missouri State Auditor @TomSchweichMO Dedicated and talented public servant. Thoughts and prayers for his family.
— Lacy Clay (@LacyClayMO1) February 26, 2015
Rep. Billy Long (R-MO) said in a statement:
“My entire family is shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news of Tom’s passing. He was a dedicated public servant who worked hard every day to make Missouri a better place to raise a family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy and the entire family during this incredibly difficult time.”
This post has been updated.
Does anybody know why? It is a little odd that he scheduled a press availability just before shooting himself.
Indeed. Preparing a governor’s campaign is not the typical actions of someone so depressed they are thinking about ending their life.
Jerry Litton, Mel Carnahan, and now this. Missouri has a history of strange candidate deaths. After a while you begin to wonder.
There has to be something—in his personal life, in his job, or some other cataclysm—that isn’t being publicly released.
Budd Dwyer time?