JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Auditor Tom Schweich had not yet announced his candidacy for governor on Wednesday when Catherine Hanaway – the other Republican candidate who announced her candidacy nearly a year ago – went for a punch.

In a statement, Hanaway’s campaign said Schweich “chose to create another primary,” and attempted to frame him as a divisive candidate for the party by citing his consideration of other campaigns in years past.

“Auditor Schweich’s electoral record is marked by relentless pursuits of the next office and tearing apart the Republican Party,” said Hanaway spokesman Nick Maddux. “First, he campaigned against Senator Roy Blunt in 2010, then he aired dirty attack ads in his Auditor primary, next he attempted to strong arm his way into the 2012 Republican Senate primary, and now, just 16 days after being sworn into a four year term as Auditor, he announces he will create a Republican primary for governor.”

In contrast, Hanaway’s campaign framed her as a Republican uniter –  noting that she was speaker when the party took over the legislature in 2004.

Schweich was set to make his announcement in St. Louis at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. He has scheduled events in Jefferson City, Springfield, and southeast Missouri later in the week.