State Auditor Peterson won’t seek re-election

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota State Auditor Robert Peterson says he won’t seek a sixth term.

Peterson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he’s decided to retire next year.

His departure will spell the end of a remarkable family dynasty in the office that monitors the finances and management of state departments. Peterson’s father, Robert W. Peterson, held the job for 24 years before his son was elected in 1996 as his successor.

That’s more than four decades of a Peterson controlling the office.

The 64-year-old Peterson says he’s announcing his plans to give both parties time to recruit candidates. He says he’s looking forward to traveling and doing yard work at his home in Bismarck.