Republicans are blasting State Auditor Rebecca Otto for appealing to the Minnesota Supreme Court over a new state law that allows counties to contract with private auditing firms rather than use the state auditor’s office. Representative Sarah Anderson from Plymouth says Otto has “already been told twice by the courts that what happened at the legislature is constitutional. I don’t think that third time’s the charm in this case. It’s just a waste of taxpayers’ money.” Otto contends the law “will unacceptably diminish the protection this constitutional office provides the taxpayers of this state.” She says she took an oath to support the Minnesota Constitution and will continue to fulfill it.
Anderson points out Otto is running for governor and says, “I don’t know if that’s playing a factor into it. I would hate that anybody would use their position… for that reason, especially when you consider the money that is being wasted on this lawsuit.” Otto was not available for comment.