Missouri Auditor seeks lawmakers' aid

State Auditor Thomas Schweich announced Tuesday he's asking lawmakers to define clearly his authority to review bank examination records and to do performance audits.

"If not for performance audit capability," Schweich told reporters in his Capitol office, "there would, really, be no guarantee of accountability in Missouri."

And, if it becomes necessary, Schweich said he'll ask the Legislature to propose a constitutional change instead of a law change - but that also would require voters' approval in a statewide election.

The auditor's proposed law is a response to a Missouri Bankers Association (MBA) lawsuit ....