Reactions to Schweich's death

Flags around the Missouri Capitol complex in Jefferson City were lowered to half staff Thursday after the death of statewide elected official, state auditor Tom Schweich, who died Thursday morning.
Flags around the Missouri Capitol complex in Jefferson City were lowered to half staff Thursday after the death of statewide elected official, state auditor Tom Schweich, who died Thursday morning.

The death of state Auditor Tom Schweich produced a flurry of statements about the Missouri public official on Twitter and government websites:

Gov. Jay Nixon: "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."

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder: "Thoughts and prayers go out to Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich and his family."

Treasurer Clint Zweifel: "It is with a heavy heart that I send my thoughts and prayers to the Schweich family during this difficult time. Tom served his state and country admirably, and fought strongly for his values. With his passing, Missouri has lost a devoted public servant. He will be missed."

Rep. Caleb Rowden: "Our hearts are heavy today. I pray somehow Tom Schweich's family can find hope and peace in the midst of a terrible situation."

Rep. Travis Fitzwater: "Humbly ask for your prayers for Tom Schweich and his family. Tragic news today."

John Hancock, chairman of the Missouri Republican Party: "I am in utter shock at the news of Tom Schweich's tragic passing. Tom will be remembered as a tenacious, energetic, effective elected official who worked tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of this state and this nation. I ask all Missourians to join me in praying for Tom's family."

Roy Temple, chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party: "The death of Auditor Tom Schweich is devastating news for his family and all Missourians. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Schweich family during this tragic time."

Sen. Roy Blunt: "Tom Schweich was very smart, very capable, outstanding at his job and a good friend."

Sen. Claire McCaskill: "I am very sad and hurt so much for Tom Schweich's family. Good man. Dedicated public servant. Hug those you love."

Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer: "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."

Catherine Hanaway, Republican candidate for governor: "I am deeply saddened by today's news regarding Auditor Tom Schweich. Auditor Schweich was an extraordinary man with an extraordinary record of service to our state and nation. Our state and nation are better places because of his tireless dedication to duty and service. His wife, Kathy, and two children, Emilie and Thomas, will be in my prayers. I ask everyone to respect their privacy."

Missouri House Speaker John J. Diehl Jr.: "It was with immense sadness that I learned of the tragic passing of my good friend and fellow public servant, Tom Schweich. This is a devastating loss for our state as we have now lost a leader and a man of the highest integrity, character and dedication. I ask now that all Missourians pray for the Schweich family as they cope with this tragic loss."

Joint statement of Missouri Senate leadership - President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey, Majority Floor Leader Ron Richard, and Minority Leader Joe Keaveny: "We would like to offer our prayers and sympathy to the family of Auditor Tom Schweich. Tom's experience as a talented federal prosecutor, diplomat and ambassador made him become a brilliant auditor. In his service to the state of Missouri, he led hundreds of audits, making it his mission to fight corruption and bring transparency to many offices across the state. Our heartfelt prayers go out to his family at this difficult time."

Former U.S. Sen. Jim Talent and his wife, Brenda Talent: "We are brokenhearted at the passing of Tom Schweich. He was a fine leader, caring and passionate about his service to the State of Missouri, a brilliant man of great integrity and patriotism, many interests and much accomplishment in law, diplomacy and public affairs. He was our friend. We will miss him, and our prayers go out to Kathy, their children and all of those who knew Tom and loved him."

Jay Ashcroft, a St. Louis lawyer and announced candidate for secretary of state (son of former Gov. and U.S. Sen. John Ashcroft and former first lady Janet Ashcroft): "With a profound sense of grief, my family and I offer our heartfelt condolences to Auditor Schweich's family for their tragic loss today. Tom served our state and nation with honor and distinction for many years. His career will be remembered for his legacy of integrity and hard work. We will continue to keep his loved ones in our prayers in the coming days and weeks."

State Education Commissioner Margie Vandeven: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of state Auditor Tom Schweich. We appreciated his high standards for state government and his dedication to his work. Schweich will be missed as a public servant. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."

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