Missouri Politicians React With Shock To Sudden Death Of GOP Guv Candidate

FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2015 file photo, Missouri Republican Auditor Tom Schweich announces his candidacy for governor in St. Louis. Schweich, 54, died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a st... FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2015 file photo, Missouri Republican Auditor Tom Schweich announces his candidacy for governor in St. Louis. Schweich, 54, died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a staff member told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File) MORE LESS
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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:

Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) wrote:

Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) wrote:

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:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) wrote:

Rep. Lacy Clay (D-MO) wrote:

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.

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