Minnesota Auditor Candidates Clash Over Experience

ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Minnesota state auditor seeking a third term is being challenged by a Republican who says his accounting degree and finance experience make him better qualified for the job.

Randy Gilbert says it's time an actual auditor leads the office, which oversees $20 billion in spending for local governments.

The former mayor of Long Lake says he wants to transform the office so it resembles more of a private-sector accounting firm.

He also says he'd take a look at community pension liabilities that threaten solvency.

Incumbent Rebecca Otto says the state auditor needs to be both a leader and a manager.

She says her experience in both local and state government gives her an advantage in understanding the office's complexities.