BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) _ North Dakota's state auditor won
re-election Tuesday, continuing one of the state's longest
political dynasties.
Republican Robert R. Peterson beat Democratic challenger Scot
Kelsh.
The 50-year-old Kelsh is a state legislator and former assistant
Democratic leader in the North Dakota House. He works as a
firefighter in Fargo.
A Peterson has held the auditor's job for 40 years. Peterson's
father, Robert W. Peterson, was elected auditor in 1972 and served
for 24 years. His son was elected in 1996 to take his place.
The 61-year-old Peterson won his fifth term Tuesday.
The auditor's office examines financial records of state
departments and does performance reviews aimed at improving agency
operations. It has about 50 employees and a two-year budget of $9.6
million.
