Candidate for Auditor Suggests Only CPAs Qualified

Five Republicans are in the race for the nomination to be State Auditor – only one is a Certified Public Accountant – and that candidate is suggesting only CPAs be allowed to occupy the post. Platte County Auditor Sandra Thomas says that while someone who is not a CPA can do a good job as State Auditor, it only makes sense for the person holding the job to be a CPA. Senator John Loudon of Chesterfield, one of the other Republicans in the race, says it’s wrong to suggest only those who are CPAs should run for the job. He says he would bring business experience to the position – something he claims is worth more than letters after a person’s name. Representative Jack Jackson of Wildwood, another of the Republicans in the field, says CPAs add the numbers right – but the Auditor finds the right numbers to add. He believes the Auditor must manage an office of CPAs, not necessarily be a CPA. Another State Representative seeking the post is Mark Wright of Springfield, who says that while he is not a CPA, he is well qualified because of his professional experience as an accountant. As for the views of the current occupant of the office: Claire McCaskill, who is not a CPA, says the most important qualifications are knowing government and having some management experience. McCaskill is not seeking another four years in the post because she’s running for Jim Talent’s U.S. Senate seat. The date of the primary elections is August 8th.