Ritchie's previous assertions of authority independent of the Legislature have often proved controversial, especially among the state's Republicans.

Paymar's announcement set off waves of speculation over who might run to replace him.

Growe notes that Simon was an outspoken opponent of the proposed voter ID amendment, which Growe also opposed.

In a statement issued to Politics in Minnesota on Thursday afternoon, Fairview argued that it still felt that it qualified for the exemption.

The issue of voting registration apparently did not arise during the debate over the legislation's passage more than a dozen years ago.

Nguyen, who serves as chairman of New Asia Partners and Newport Capital, both Minneapolis-based financial services firms, kicked off his campaign for the state's top elections official at a Capitol news conference.

Republican legislators and conservative groups filed a lawsuit this week aimed at suspending an online voter registration program that they claim was improperly implemented by Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, a DFLer, without legislative approval.

If the lawsuit is successful, the registry system launched in launched in late September would be halted until legislative action is taken.

The GOP advocacy groups leading the effort, Minnesota Majority and the Minnesota Voters Alliance, filed a lawsuit in Ramsey County Court on Monday, alleging Ritchie used unilateral power to install a new online voter registration tool after session ended and without bringing it through the proper legislative channels. They are asking the court to suspend the the tool, which was launched at the end of September, until it can be voted on by lawmakers.

Simon's endorsers include some of the most senior members of the House and Senate, as well as the chairs of several of the Legislature's most powerful committees.