for State Auditor

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NORTH BRANCH - MARCH 3, 2006

U.S. Representative Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., formally endorsed former State Representative Rebecca Otto today in her race for the Minnesota State Auditor's office.

Otto, of May Township, is in a two-way race to be the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party candidate to challenge Republican State Auditor Patricia Anderson in November.

"Rebecca Otto has been a strong champion of fiscal accountability at all levels of government, and has a proven track record of cutting through rhetoric to advocate for the best interests of ordinary Minnesotans," Oberstar said in a prepared statement. "She is highly qualified and has shown great courage and personal integrity in her public service."

Oberstar said he was especially impressed with Otto's vision for the office. "She believes government should be accountable to you, not to special interest groups," he said. "She's told me she'll work hard to ensure accountability at all levels of government, not just the local level, and that she'll stand up against bad fiscal policy at the state capitol that has been undermining the financial stability of our schools and our local governments, and driving up our property taxes. That is a vision I wholeheartedly support."

Oberstar is Minnesota's longest-serving federal lawmaker, and his endorsement could help solidify support for Otto in Northeastern Minnesota.

"We very much share a vision of fiscal stability and of governing with an eye to the future instead of an ear to rhetoric," said Otto in accepting the endorsement. "It's time to put rhetoric aside and get Minnesota moving forward again."

In 2005 Otto came in first in fundraising for the race, raising 24% more than Anderson, formerly known as Pat Awada, and more than all other candidates for the office combined.

Oberstar's endorsement is added to endorsements from US Senator Mark Dayton and over 235 other leading Minnesotans, including more than 50 legislators and dozens of DFL activists and former party officials.

"People know I fight hard for good government and that I care about the future and turning our state around," said Otto of the endorsements. "We're building a strong grassroots campaign throughout the state, and Congressman Oberstar's support means a lot."

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