State Auditor Otto to seek third term

Minnesota State Auditor Rebecca Otto said today she will run for re-election next year.

Otto, a Democrat, made the announcement on a video posted to her campaign website.  She was first elected in 2006 and won a second term in 2010.

"I love being state auditor of Minnesota," she said. "I would love and be honored to be your state auditor again.

Former Long Lake Mayor Randy Gilbert is expected to announce a run for the Republican nomination for the office today.

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Here is Otto's video:

UPDATE:

At a state Capitol press conference announcing his campaign, Randy Gilbert said he would be a better auditor than Otto. Among other issues, Gilbert said he's concerned about state pension liabilities which he said are underfunded by about 35 percent

"The path we are on with the unfunded public pension issue leads us straight to Detroit, and I will not allow that to happen," Gilbert told reporters.

A Minnesota State Retirement System official said public pensions are funded at close to 80 percent.

In an interview  Otto called Minnesota a national leader in managing its pension liabilities.

"For someone to make a statement that Minnesota is the next Detroit is irresponsible and uninformed," she said.

Gilbert said he will abide by the GOP endorsement, meaning he will not run if another candidate wins backing of the Republican Party. So far Gilbert is the only Republican to announce a campaign.