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JEFFERSON CITY Republican Tom Schweich has amassed a million-dollar war chest in his bid for re-election as state auditor.

But he doesnt need it. No Democrat is challenging him.

In the race for Missouris only statewide office on the Nov. 4 ballot, Schweich faces token opposition, from Libertarian and Constitution Party candidates. That means he can sock away his campaign treasury for future elections, including a possible bid for governor in 2016.

Odd as it sounds, some Democrats hope he does run for governor.

Their likely gubernatorial nominee, Attorney General Chris Koster, would benefit from a divisive Republican slugfest. And Republican Catherine Hanaway of St. Louis County, a former prosecutor and House speaker, has already announced she is running for governor.

I personally can see no harm coming if Catherine Hanaway and Tom Schweich spend a million dollars bashing each other, said Roy Temple, chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party.

Schweich said he is focused on the auditors race and helping other Republicans in key contests this year. He is mum about his interest in running for governor, other than to say that Democrats should watch out what you wish for.

In just four years, Schweich, 54, has vaulted up the political ladder.

The Clayton lawyer has gone from being a political novice at odds with his party to being the partys standard-bearer, his bright blue signs adorning Missouri Republican Party headquarters.

Known for his tenacious personality, he thrives on the auditors role of ferreting out wrongdoing, holding news conferences to trumpet his findings and returning several months later to see if his recommendations are in use.

Original post:
Easy re-election campaign for auditor prompts talk of governor's race