RITCHIE113007
On the homepage
Local
Out There
Business
Vita.mn
Home | Politically Connected | State Politics
Ritchie asked to sit out special election
In light of the state investigation of the secretary of state, they said Ritchie should temporarily suspend his election overseer duties. DFLers called it a political ploy.
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on DiggMore from State Politics
Republicans in the Minnesota Senate called Thursday for state Secretary of State Mark Ritchie to at least temporarily step aside from his duties as an election official during an upcoming special election amid an investigation into Ritchie's impartiality.
Ritchie, a DFLer, is being investigated by the legislative auditor to determine whether he improperly transferred a state mailing list to his campaign, which then solicited a political contribution.
Ritchie's spokesman, John Aiken, told the Associated Press that Ritchie rejected the suggestion.
Sen. Chris Gerlach, R-Apple Valley, the ranking member of the Senate committee that oversees state government, said the Republican caucus was concerned about "getting a fair shake" in the upcoming Jan. 3 election to replace Sen. Tom Neuville, who was recently appointed a judge.
"This is not meant to be punitive, this is not meant to be another round of gotcha politics. This is meant to be a balanced measure, a fair and reasonable response to real concerns about a serious issue," Gerlach said.
At a Capitol news conference, the Republicans urged Ritchie to step aside and allow his elections deputy to oversee the election.
DFL Party chair Brian Melendez was quick to characterize the request as a "maneuver that stinks of political desperation," saying Republicans were trying to deflect attention from the troubles of Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's Department of Transportation and its commissioner, Carol Molnau.
"Mark Ritchie is an elected constitutional officer of this state. He has a job to do and he's going to do it," Melendez said.
MARK BRUNSWICK
- Top DFLer asks for time on WCCO radio
- Coleman would cast long shadow in governor's race
- Board fines Entenza $500 for lobbyist contribution
- Emotional Franken finally gets sworn in
- Pawlenty starts cutting budget to close $2.7 billion gap
- Delano's Emmer plans run for governor
- Al Franken serious, ready to work
- Marty Seifert announces campaign for governor
- Parents' pain helps change how police treat missing adults
Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
  Research, Build, CompareCustomize your car search by building your own dream car. Find your perfect vehicle! Find Your New Car Here!Search and browse new and used vehicles from area dealers & private sellers. Search now! |
Win tickets to see Gov't Mule at the MN Zoo.Join Vita.mn at the Subway Music in the Zoo series featuring Gov't Mule at the MN Zoo on July 15. |
Comment on this story | Be the first to comment | Hide reader comments