Ed Martin: We're lining up to defeat big government

(From the Missouri Republican Party)

Ed Martin, Chairman of the Missouri Republican Party, issued the following statement regarding the first day of candidate filing:

As of 5:00 PM today, 191 Republicans have filed to run for state and federal offices in Missouri.

“From Maryville to Cape and Hannibal to Joplin, Republicans continue to be the party of responsibility and common sense government; Government that works for all Missourians, not a selected few. Unfortunately, the Obama/Nixon policies of tax and overspend continue to plague our state government.

“Missourians are standing up and saying ‘enough is enough.’ Republicans are literally lining up to defeat the party irresponsibly and big government.

"State Auditor Tom Schweich is the top of our ticket this year. Republicans stand for smart, fiscally sound government. Schweich is a watchdog for Missouri tax-payers and his leadership is needed in Jefferson City.

“This is a big year for Republicans across the country, as a party we are poised to retake the United States Senate and continue our fight to delay and repeal ObamaCare.”

Filing for candidates running for statewide, legislative, and county offices closes March 25, at 5:00 PM.

2013 in Review: Senate: We have lobbyists buy our booze so the taxpayers won't have to

(From March 2013)

An audit released today shows that special interests are footing the bill for booze, food, and parties for the Missouri Senate and the expenditures do not show up in the disclosure forms of any senator.

You won't find Senate leaders challenging Auditor Tom Schweich's findings- they claim they are saving the taxpayers money by having lobbyists take care of their party needs.

The practice, which is heavily criticized in the auditor's report, is to have the Senate solicit money from the lobbyists for the Senate Administrator's Fund, and, according to the audit, "The Senate made expenditures from the Senate Administrator's Fund that would not be allowable for state agencies."

Want an audit of the Joplin R-8 School District? Here's how you can get one

In this edition of Mike Ferguson's Missouri Viewpoints program, State Auditor Thomas Schweich explains his position, including what needs to be done if someone thinks it is time for a governmental agency, city, or school district to be audited.

"If you steal money, you're not going to get away with it," Schweich said, "My job is to find out who is wasting the money."

State Auditor Tom Schweich from Missouri Viewpoints on Vimeo.