Does anyone remember that memorable line from 1967's "Cool Hand Luke" ... when the chain gang captain says, "What we've got here is ... failure to communicate?" Okay, fast forward 42 years to Missouri politics ... and it seems the Republican campaigns for State Auditor might have a bit of a failure to communicate.

Late last week the Tom Schweich for State Auditor campaign sent out a press release with the names of various people supporting the Schweich candidacy. Included on the list was State Senator Delbert Scott of Lowry City. Monday afternoon the Allen Icet for State Auditor campaign released a statement telling one and all that Senator Scott had "set the record straight."

It quotes Scott as saying, "That listing was unauthorized by me," concluding with, "I continue my strong support for Allen Icet for State Auditor."

In a bipartisan effort to avoid more confusion, Democratic State Auditor Susan Montee has opted not to discuss support for her reelection bid.

Steve Walsh