Republican Peterson wins 5th term as ND auditor

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.

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