Missouri has a new State Auditor.
Tom Schweich was sworn in today during a ceremony inside the State Capitol Rotunda.
After taking the oath of office, Schweich told the audience that he will look for ways to reduce the cost of government and to improve the way it functions.
"Our audits will not only be thorough and tenacious, but we will follow through," Schweich said. "We will work collaboratively with the people we are auditing, but we will also make sure they implement the recommendations we agree on...we will follow up, we will follow through, and we will deliver."
Schweich says he'll talk more about his priorities on Wednesday, when he's scheduled to announce his senior staff.
The keynote speaker at today's ceremony was retired U.S. Senator John Danforth, who encouraged Schweich to run for State Auditor.
"It's highly likely that he will drive all of you in state government nuts," Danforth told the audience. "But then, it's the job of a good auditor to drive people nuts."
Danforth said afterward that Schweich is committed to serving the entire four-year term of office, following accusations during the campaign that he plans to use the State Auditor's office as a stepping stone to higher office.
Schweich defeated Democratic incumbent in the November elections. Montee now chairs the Missouri Democratic Party.