Political consultant says he paid for attack ad on late Missouri Auditor Schweich

A Missouri political consultant says he personally paid for a radio attack ad on the late state Auditor Tom Schweich during Schweich's bid for governor.

Jeff Roe, the founder of a Kansas City political consulting firm, said in a statement Tuesday he footed the bill for a "House of Cards"-themed ad criticizing Schweich as weak.

Schweich fatally shot himself Feb. 26. He was facing a Republican primary with former state House speaker and U.S. attorney Catherine Hanaway in the governor's race.

In a statement, Roe lamented Schweich's death. Police have said it's unclear why Schweich shot himself.

Roe paid for the ad through a limited liability company he solely owns.

The committee that produced the ad had shared the same treasurer as Hanaway's campaign. Hanaway has said she didn't know about the ad before it aired.