JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – More than 120 lawmakers, lawyers, business owners and opinion makers signed an open letter to Missouri Audtor Tom Schweich urging him to run for Governor in 2016.

“Congratulations on your overwhelming reelection as Missouri State Auditor,” the letter reads. “As you mentioned in your Election Night remarks, Missouri must now confront the serious challenges facing our great state. By virtue of your experience and talents we believe that you are the perfect candidate to provide the critical leadership as Missouri’s next Governor.” [See full letter below]

Some high profile names found on the letter include former Missouri Senator and U.S. Attorney General John Danforth, former U.S. Senator Jim Talent, state senator Mike Parson, former state senator and current state representative Kevin Engler, along with a slew of other officials and business owners.

Schweich has been rumored to be mulling a gubernatorial bid nearly since his election to auditor. Should he choose to run, he would be facing Catherine Hanaway, the only other Republican who has declared intentions thus far. Hanaway, a former House Speaker, is expected to line up an impressive stack of current and former state lawmakers to support her campaign. The letter comes on the tail of a fundraiser hosted by former Republican national committeewoman Ann Dickinson on behalf of Hanaway, which featured Hanaway supporter and former senator, governor, auditor, Kit Bond.

Today’s letter is no doubt a subtle reminder that Schweich would have his own sizeable block of support.

“120-plus activists, elected officials and donors across Missouri sent a strong message today that they believe the best chance Republicans have to take the Governor’s Mansion in 2016 would be to coalesce behind Tom Schweich, who’s won statewide twice in impressive fashion and never lost a an election,” Gregg Keller, a spokesperson for Schweich, said.

A primary between Hanaway and Schweich would likely be expensive and bloody. Both candidates have significant financial backing and, in a full-blown fight for the governor’s mansion, neither is afraid to go negative.

Schweich has not yet formally announced his 2016 intentions.

Rachael Herndon contributed to this report.

AN OPEN LETTER TO STATE AUDITOR TOM SCHWEICH November 19, 2014