Judge dismisses complaint against Ritchie

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Nov 2, 2012 at 6:46 am

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KNSI) A judge has dismissed a complaint against Minnesota's top election official by Republican lawmakers who accused him of misleading voters over a proposed voter ID requirement.

GOP Senators Scott Newman of Hutchinson and Mike Parry of Waseca accused Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie of making false statements about the costs and effects of the proposal.

Parry and Newman sponsored the photo ID constitutional amendment that appears on Tuesday's ballot. Ritchie, a Democrat, opposes photo ID.

The Republican lawmakers argued that Ritchie's actions violated state laws governing the truthfulness of campaign statements.

Ritchie responded that he believed his statements about the costs and effects of the amendment are true.

Administrative Law Judge Bruce Johnson ruled for Ritchie on all counts and dismissed the complaint Thursday.