JEFFERSON CITY -- Former Republican candidate for governor Kenny Hulshof today endorsed Rep. Allen Icet, R-Wildwood in the GOP race for governor.

Hulshof, a former Congressman from Columbia who now practices law, said that Icet "has worked tirelessly in his effort to produce balanced budgets. I have no doubt Allen's experience and discipline in fiscal matters will serve the state well when he becomes Missouri's next financial watchdog."

In the GOP primary, Icet faces political newcomer Thomas Schweich, who has been much better funded thanks to his support of Republican icons John Danforth, Sam Fox, and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder. Schweich had considered running for Senate against Congressman Roy Blunt, but brokered a deal to drop out of that race and run for auditor instead.

That's why there's a little irony in Hulshof's endorsement of Icet. When Hulshof ran for governor in 2008, he was involved in some similar discussions that led to Kinder dropping out of the race to back Hulshof. Despite pressure, Sarah Steelman did not back out and she ran a bruising campaign against Hulshof before losing in the primary.

The Icet/Schweich campaign has been similarly difficult for Republicans, with the two lobbying various allegations of dishonesty and ethics violations at each other in the campaign.