Former KC lawyer on the list for auditor, Democrats say

A new name has surfaced in the discussions surrounding a new state auditor in Missouri: Willie Epps.

Democrats say Epps’ name continues to come up in the search for a permanent replacement for Tom Schweich, who killed himself Feb. 26.

Epps is a graduate of Harvard Law and a former lawyer at Shook Hardy in Kansas City. He also worked with former Sen. John Danforth on the Waco investigation, which was run by Schweich.

No African-American has ever held statewide elected office in Missouri.

The next auditor will serve an almost four-year term. He or she would not be subject to approval by the General Assembly.