Ritchie, 61, said in a statement that stepping aside had been a "difficult decision" to make, and that he had arrived at his choice after consulting with family members.

Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton is going after Hennepin County Elections Manager Rachel Smith, who he says is inserting herself into the Minnesota gubernatorial recount process and siding with DFL gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton.

Two elections, two statewide recounts at taxpayer expense that threaten to stretch out for month after tedious month: Something must be wrong with the system.

Poll watchers of all political stripes are reporting few substantial problems at voting locations across the state. But some observers are concerned about overly aggressive party-affiliated challengers operating at some polling sites.