Tom Schweich facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tom Schweich
36th Auditor of Missouri
In office January 10, 2011 – February 26, 2015
Governor	Jay Nixon
Preceded by	Susan Montee
Succeeded by	Nicole Galloway
Personal details
Born	(1960-10-02)October 2, 1960 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Died	February 26, 2015(2015-02-26) (aged 54) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Kathleen Schweich
Children	2
Education	Yale University Harvard University

Thomas A. Schweich (October 2, 1960 – February 26, 2015) was an American politician, lawyer, and author. He was a member of the Republican Party. Schweich served as the State Auditor of Missouri from 2011 until his passing in 2015.

Before becoming State Auditor, he worked as the U.S. Coordinator for Counternarcotics and Justice Reform in Afghanistan. During this time, U.S. President George W. Bush gave him the rank of Ambassador.

In the 2010 election, Schweich was elected State Auditor. He won against the Democratic leader Susan Montee. He was reelected in 2014 without anyone running against him. In 2015, Schweich announced he would run for Governor of Missouri in the 2016 election.

Education and Early Career

Tom Schweich was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He was a fifth-generation Missourian. He went to public schools in Missouri.

Schweich earned his first college degree from Yale University. He then got his law degree from Harvard Law School. After law school, he joined Bryan Cave, a very old law firm in Missouri. As a partner there, he helped big companies check their finances. He also helped them follow important rules.

Public Service Roles

Working with Senator Danforth

Schweich started his public service in 1999. He became the Chief of Staff for former U.S. Senator John Danforth. Senator Danforth was investigating a big event that happened in Waco, Texas, in 1993. This event involved the FBI and a group called the Branch Davidians.

Serving at the United Nations

John Danforth later appointed Schweich as his chief of staff. This was when Danforth was the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. Schweich also worked for the next two ambassadors to the United Nations. These were Anne W. Patterson and John R. Bolton. While working there, he helped find out about the Oil for Food Scandal. This was a plan by Saddam Hussein to get around United Nations rules. He did this by using bribes and secret payments.

Role in the Bush Administration

Schweich directed many people in different countries. He managed a large budget of over 2.5 billion dollars. Later, he was named Coordinator for Counternarcotics and Justice Reform in Afghanistan. President George W. Bush gave him the rank of Ambassador.

Becoming Missouri's Auditor

In 2010, Schweich ran for State Auditor of Missouri. He won the Republican nomination. He defeated Missouri State Representative Allen Icet.

In the main election, he ran against the current Democratic Auditor, Susan Montee. Schweich won against Montee on November 2, 2010. He won with 51% of the votes.

Schweich made history in the 2014 election. No Democratic candidate ran against him. This was the first time in 144 years a Republican ran for a statewide office in Missouri without a Democratic opponent. Democrats said this was because of Schweich's good work. He started programs to stop money theft. He also created a quick response team and a grading system for audits. In the general election, he was re-elected with 73% of the vote.

Campaign for Governor

On January 28, 2015, Schweich announced his plan to run for Governor of Missouri. This meant he would likely run against former Missouri House Speaker Catherine Hanaway in the Republican primary.

Writing and Hobbies

Besides his public service, Schweich had other interests. He was a big numismatist, which means he collected coins. He also collected movie items.

He wrote three books and many articles. These articles were about business law, coin history, and international relations. His work earned him three awards from the American Numismatic Association. His first book, Protect Yourself From Business Lawsuits, came out in 1998. It became a best-selling business law book on Amazon.com. He wrote his second book, Crashproof Your Life, in 2002. His third book, Staying Power, was published in 2003. He also made an audio series about personal money management.

Before becoming State Auditor, Schweich taught law and foreign policy. He taught at Washington University School of Law.

Passing and Aftermath

On February 26, 2015, Tom Schweich passed away. Flags were flown at half-staff in his memory. This was ordered by Governor Jay Nixon.

During Schweich's memorial service, former U.S. Senator John Danforth spoke. He said that words used by others to describe Schweich were like "bullying." He felt these words contributed to his passing. Senator Danforth said that "politics has gone so hideously wrong."

The police department investigated Schweich's passing. They looked at his electronic devices. They found no evidence that he was bullied or threatened.

After Schweich's passing, Governor Jay Nixon appointed John Watson as Acting State Auditor. Later, Boone County Treasurer Nicole Galloway was appointed to serve as State Auditor.

Election Results