RITCHIE INVESTIGATION INTENSIFIES

Legislative Auditor Jim Nobles said he now wants testimony under oath in the case of Minnesota's Secretary of State Mark Ritchie allegedly using a state mailing list to solicit campaign donations. Nobles said his decision came after Ritchie first said he didn't know how the campaign got the list. Last week, Ritchie admitted he gave the list of names to his campaign staff himself, and told them to send each a newsletter. Nobles said the investigation could stretch on for several weeks. The results of the investigation could be used to craft law for reform but probably wouldn't carry criminal penalties.