ST. PAUL — Minnesota Republicans want answers from Secretary of State Mark Ritchie over his Twitter posts casting doubt on the ability of Republican Tom Emmer to win the governor’s race.

Ritchie’s personal Twitter feed passes along links to news stories and comments from attorneys suggesting Emmer would have trouble making up a deficit to Democrat Mark Dayton. As it stands, their race is headed for an automatic recount, which Ritchie would oversee.

Ritchie is a Democrat just elected to a second term. His predecessor, Republican Mary Kiffmeyer, says the posts raise doubts about Ritchie’s judgment and ability to oversee a fair process. She urged him to add a Republican lawyer to his staff.

A spokesman for Ritchie would only say that his office doesn’t respond to “partisan attacks.”