Race For Minn. State Auditor Takes Shape

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota State Auditor Rebecca Otto is asking voters to give her another four years in the role.

The two-term Democrat released a Web video Tuesday that declares her intention to seek re-election in 2014.

Meanwhile, former Long Lake Mayor Randy Gilbert was kicking off his campaign for the office on Tuesday. Gilbert is making his second try for the Republican nomination after competing for it unsuccessfully in 2010.

The auditor's main role is to keep tabs on local government financial activity and investigate when there are problems. It has been a political stepping stone, too, with past auditors eventually running for governor.

Two of the last four Minnesota governors — incumbent Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and former GOP Gov. Arne Carlson — held the post earlier in their careers.

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