Otto beats Entenza in auditor race

Published 9:41 pm Tuesday, August 12, 2014

MINNEAPOLIS — State Auditor Rebecca Otto has survived a primary challenge from former House Minority Leader Matt Entenza.

Entenza dipped deep into his personal wealth to try to grab the Democratic nomination. But Otto had the party’s backing and cruised to an easy victory.

She advances to face GOP, Independence and Grassroots Party opponents in her bid for a third term.

The primary followed a short but heated campaign with Entenza. He was attempting to break back into elective office after failed campaigns for governor and attorney general. He poured more than $670,000 into his campaign and put Otto on the defensive over gay marriage and polling place restrictions.

With TV ads and mailed brochures, the contest was higher-profile than usual for an officer who mainly audits local governments.