Here is this week’s flip-flop of the week compliments of the GOP:

Flip-Flop of the Week Volume 1, Issue 33
Hatch Campaigns As A Crime Fighter; Later Mocks Opponents For Emphasizing Crime

1994: Hatch Proudly Touted His Crime Position Paper – Said He Was The Only Candidate To Publish A Position Paper On Crime. “Hatch is the only candidate for governor to publish a brochure on crime (attachment 6), and has attacked Carlson for his failure to provide leadership on the issue (attachment 7).” (“Mike Hatch For Governor: Briefing Materials for State Delegates,” 1994)1998: Hatch Downplayed Crime During Campaign. “Hatch and Lillehaug are running in the DFL primary election against state Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge, the party’s endorsed candidate. The Republican endorsee, Rep. Charlie Weaver, has no announced opposition in the primary. Most of the candidates have made fighting crime the major theme of their campaigns, but Hatch has downplayed that issue, noting that the attorney general has little direct jurisdiction over crime. Instead, he has concentrated on complex consumer issues.” (Chris Ison and Conrad deFiebre, “DFLers Take Two Tacks In AG Race; Lillehaug Lambasts Koch; Hatch Tackles Health Care,” Star Tribune,, June 25, 1998)

Peter Hutchinson accepted the IP's endorsement yesterday easily knocking off Pam Ellison, who will challenge him in the party's September primary.  I would honestly like to see Ellison win the primary because she would fun to run against.  The woman is certifiably nuts from what I witnessed. 

The convention was interesting to say the least.  The crowd is clearly assembled of disillusioned Democrats.  They attacked the Iraq war, the health-impact fee and Michele Bachmann!  That's right, John Binkowski who is running for Congress in the 6th District made mention of Patty Wetterling, and he got crickets.  He then made mention of Michele Bachmann and the crowd went crazy with boos and hollers. 

Back to Hutchinson though.  my favorite quote is from this Star Tribune article:

Predicting that he will spend about $2.5 million on a creative campaign to offer an alternative to the "duopoly" and the "blood feud"betweeen Republicans and DFLers in state government, consultant Peter Hutchinson accepted the Independence Party's gubernatorial endorsement Saturday.

"Blood Feud?"  Based on what I saw yesterday the IP is desperately wanting to be a part of that "Blood Feud" with the attacks and accusations they were making!!

One thing is for sure though; we need to think about having our conventions outside!!  Before the rain came it was great sitting in the hot sun.  Not to mention that while they were doing the boring convention business I sat back and watched the Saints do batting practice.

Hatch has chosen Judi Dutcher as his running mate.  Anyone who has been even remotely following the DFL race for governor should not be surprised by this choice.  It has been the worst kept secret in politics as of late.  I confirmed this almost two weeks ago from a very reliable source.

Here is the message from Hatch's campaign site:

We now have a convention behind us, and I am pleased that Judi Dutcher has joined our ticket.

Our last poll was taken before the Republican convention, and we were ahead of the Governor by a narrow margin, with 13 percent of voters undecided. Undecided voters indicate that they want a new Governor, but need to know more about me. I believe that the Governor's gaffe at the Republican convention, combined with our endorsement at the Democratic convention and the addition of Judi, puts us in a very good position for the general election.

I promised to recruit a lieutenant governor who would make an excellent governor, and with Judi Dutcher, I accomplished this task. Judi is a big plus for the campaign. She won two statewide elections as Auditor and earned kudos from local government and state officials for her energy, wit, and courage. She was one of the first public officials to challenge the extreme elements that have taken control of the Republican Party, and she eventually had to leave the party to join the Democrats. She was warmly embraced by the Democrats and was supported by a broad and deep network of people in her 2002 gubernatorial bid. Over the past four years, she has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Minnesota Community Foundation, a large philanthropic institution that serves Greater Minnesota. As CEO, Judi witnessed the impact of the Governor's budget cuts to rural communities. For instance, her foundation purchased a fire truck for Fairmont because the Governor's cuts gutted the city's public safety budget. In other communities, the foundation helped with infrastructure items as basic as sidewalks because of the Pawlenty cuts.

We balance the ticket quite well. I am from Greater Minnesota, and Judi is from the metropolitan area. We both received the benefits of a strong Minnesota educational system, and we will fulfill the role of every administration, except the current one, in acting as a guardian for the next generation.

Judi will play a strong role in the Administration. I have dedicated my public life over the last 20 years to exposing the health care mess, and Judi's leadership will allow me to focus even more energy on this issue.

I take great pride that I can recruit the best and the brightest in government service. I believe Judi's participation continues this tradition of excellence.

This campaign will decide the long-term direction of this state. We need money to win. The Governor and his party are well-financed, and they already have demonstrated a willingness to be negative. Your help has gotten us over the endorsement hurdle, and we now lead in the polls. If we raise the money we need, we will win this election. There has never been a more important time to contribute . Whether its $100, $50, or whatever you can afford, please make your contribution on-line today. Your financial commitment to this campaign is greatly appreciated and will be prudently used.

I thank you for your help!

This should be fun, Hatch is trying to soften up his image, but most Minnesotans recognize that he is an angry liberal!!!!

You may have seen or heard of the full page ad that was taken out in today's Star Tribune by some of Minnesota's privileged.  They state that they have the capacity to pay more for Minnesota's services and should be taxed higher as such.

Leave it to the Governor to respond and make a complete mockery of it!!

Every time I have seen one of those "Happy to pay for a better Minnesota" yard signs I want to walk up to the front door and ask the people if they took all of the deductions they were allowed or if they left some for the state or the country.  I am assuming the answer is they did take all deductions.  This is a total ploy for them to bring their partisan Liberal agenda to the forefront, which equals more spending for education without accountability, welfare increases, and government run health-care to name a few!!!

Here is the press release from the Governor's office:

Saint Paul – The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding the full-page ad in today's Star Tribune from the "Growth & Justice" think tank calling for a $2 billion per year tax increase.

"After decades of struggle, we are proud to have moved Minnesota out of the top ten in taxes.  We now have budget surpluses and double digit revenue growth to the state.  We are not undertaxed and will be able to fund our key priorities like education without raising taxes.

"Having read the names of those who signed the full-page ad in today's Star Tribune , I want to issue them a friendly challenge.  I invite the people on the list to send in a voluntary contribution to the state, above and beyond the taxes they already pay, of $250,000 to $2 million each. 

"Since their contributions will be public information under our Data Practices Act, we will look into listing the names of these generous Minnesotans on a state website.  I will also personally pose with each of them for a commemorative photo in the Governor's Reception Room accepting their contribution and issue them a certificate of appreciation.  I look forward to the state receiving checks from each of these 203 individuals."

 

Under Minnesota Statutes 16A.013 and 16A.014, the Department of Finance is authorized to accept contributions of this type.  Checks should be made payable to "State of Minnesota" and sent to:

                                                Minnesota Department of Finance

                                                400 Centennial Office Building

                                                658 Cedar Street

                                                St. Paul , MN 55155

This is a great move!!

“I have a friend who imports nurses from Nigeria and the Philippines and gets $30,000 a head." 

I am sure you are thinking exactly what I was when I first saw this story.  Actually I sat staring at the computer screen in complete disbelief!!

Thanks to MDE for locating this story.  I thought that Hatch's worst statement was possibly that he admired illegal immigrants, but now this!!!  This may be easier if he keeps flying off the rocker like this each week!!!

Keep it up Mike…

Word is that Hatch will announce his choice for running mate this Sunday at his home in Burnsville.  I have every reason to believe it is Judi Dutcher, and I will be extremely amazed if he names anyone else.

Flashback: Remember that I received a very credible tip saying his choice for a running mate was definitely Judi Dutcher. 

MDE has found more information on Hatch's speech to a group of police officers where he told the group that he admires illegal immigrants.  Even worse, he said if he was in their position he would do the same thing.

Hatch needs to answer two simple questions.  As the state's top law enforcement officer does he welcome illegal activity?  What would his actions be as governor over this issue, would he offer amnesty to illegal immigrants in our state?

I have a hunch we will not see him address this issue at all!!

We will not see Hutchinson address this issue either because he has added it to his list of 5 G's he does not want to talk about.  Guns, Gays, God, Gynecology, Gambling.  He now has Green Cards and Stadiums for Gladiators.

Here is this week's flip-flop of the week:

Mike Hatch Flip-Flops On Casinos

1994: Hatch Proposed Authorizing New Casinos, Unless Existing Casinos Paid $500 Million A Year To State. "Hatch said he would propose authorizing competitive non-Indian casinos unless existing casinos paid $500 million a year to the state. 'Either pay the tax or you say [to Indian casino owners], two blocks off the reservation there'll be another casino,' he said. Their comments were made Wednesday after a radio debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters during which both said they would use the threat of an expansion of gambling to force the owners of casinos to make annual payments from tribal profits. … The payments that [Bouza] and Hatch are demanding would cover the cost of public services, such as increased traffic enforcement and public works. The payments also could be used for compulsive-gambling programs." (Robert Whereatt, "Hatch, Bouza Would Expand Gambling If Tribes Didn't Pay," Star Tribune, September 8, 1994) 1994: Hatch Said Casinos Should "Pay Their Fair Share.""Hatch also said he would like to see the state take a share of the profits of the numerous gaming casinos that have popped up around the state. 'Connecticut does exact a tax on these casinos,' said Hatch. 'We're talking about a multi-billion dollar industry, and there are no taxes paid on any of it. In some communities you see some real resentment that the casino is not picking up its fair share. It seems fair for the casino to pay a tax on profits made from gambling activities. That would be $450 million for a 15 percent tax like is done in Connecticut. … The answer is to sit down with these casinos and say you're going to have to pay your fair share or other gambling activities ought to be considered. I'm no a proponent for further gambling, but if youre going to have gambling you should have them pay their fair share." (Tom Coombe, "DFL Gubernatorial Candidate Hatch Stops In Ely On Northeast Campaign Swing," Ely Echo, August 1, 1994)

2005: Hatch Declares State Gambling Expansion Unconstitutional."Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposal for a state-tribal metro casino likely would be found unconstitutional by a court and should go to voters first, according to an opinion released Wednesday by Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch. … Hatch's opinion addresses three elements of the casino proposal: whether the state can operate a lottery in conjunction with the Red Lake, Leech Lake and White Earth bands; whether it can offer new games such as keno, craps and roulette; and whether it can split the profits among the tribes and the state's general fund. Each of those elements probably would be found unconstitutional, the opinion states." (Patricia Lopez, "Hatch, Pawlenty At Odds On Casino; The Attorney General's Office Said The State-Tribal Plan Probably Wouldn't Pass Constitutional Muster," Star Tribune, March 31, 2005)

MDE has the goods on this, but Hatch said on Monday that he admires illegal immigrants.  Even worse he says that if he were in their shoes he would do the same thing and sneak into this country!!!

As this state's top lawyer and candidate for governor I would hope that Hatch would have a little more respect for the law. 

I will try and get my hands on a copy of this speech if one exists.  This is too classic and would make the perfect ad. 

Peter Hutchinson announced his running mate today as promised.  She is Maureen Reed, a doctor and the chair of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents.

They had a press conference at Metro State University this afternoon and announced "Team Minnesota."  This is the Independence Party's five constitutional officer candidates.

The funny thing about them being independents is the fact that as recently as 2004 Peter Hutchinson has contributed to John Kerry's failed presidential campaign, as well as the late Senator Paul Wellstone's past campaigns.  Maureen Reed was a contributor to Bill Clinton's presidential campaign in 1992.

I mention Reed's contribution to Clinton for one simple reason, she is the centerpiece of their huge initiative, healthcare.  Does this mean that she contributed to Clinton because she liked his universal health care initiative that was spearheaded by First Lady Hillary Clinton?  I guess we will have to wait for more insight into their plan for healthcare.  So far they just want to fix it, but have not offered details.  I am guessing based on the candidates that they have contributed to in the past that it is along the lines of a universal system, which the taxpayers will pay dearly for.