By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Allen Icet, Chair of the Missouri House Budget Committee, has announced his candidacy for State Auditor.
The Republican lawmaker from Wildwood holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis.
When the legislature is out of session, Icet works as a consultant for ConocoPhilips, and says he has lots of financial experience.
"I've held positions in accounting...the title was a Financial Analyst, but it was really a cost accounting position...I did general ledger work," Icet said.
If he wins the GOP nomination, Icet will likely face the incumbent State Auditor, Susan Montee. She's already announced that she'll seek a second term.
The Democrat from St. Joseph questions Icet's qualifications.
"What I believe it takes is someone with an accounting background...I believe sincerely that the (State) Auditor should be a (certified public accountant)," Montee said
The State Auditor's office is the only statewide elected office in Missouri up for grabs next year.
Candidates for that office and for House and Senate seats have to wait until late February to file their paperwork.