There is another race for statewide office on the ballot other than for United States Senate. Democrat Claire McCaskill left the office to challenge the re-election of Republican Senator Jim Talent and their Senate race has taken up a lot of political oxygen. The stem cell issue is also drawing a lot of attention.

The one issue on which both Democrat Susan Montee and Republican Sandra Thomas agree is that it has been hard for them to get their message out.

Montee is the Buchanan County Auditor. Montee is both a certified public accountant and a lawyer. She says that will help her bring balance to the job which she says has changed to incorporate more performance audits. Montee says small counties need help inbetween the required audits every four years. Montee proposes setting up a liaison system to help small counties address issues before they become a problem.

Platte County Auditor Sandra Thomas, a Republican, says her experience as a CPA has led her to develop a four-year audit plan that will base audits on risk. Thomas says the State Auditor should concentrate her work on the parts of state government in which most of the money is spent. Thomas says the Missouri Department of Transportation, education, conservation and Medicaid deserve more intense scrutiny. She also wants to keep an eye on the court system, because of the amount of cash that goes through the courts.

Both Thomas and Montee pledge their independence, no matter which party controls the governor’s office. Libertarian Charles Baum and Progressive Party Candidate, Terry Bunker, also are in the race.

Interview with Sandra Thomas
sandrathomasint.mp3

Interview with Susan Montee
susanmonteeint.mp3

Related web sites:
Montee for Auditor
Thomas for Auditor