Hatch Resigns from AG’s Office

Former Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch has resigned from his position in the attorney general’s office, according to news reports.

Hatch, who served two terms as attorney general before an unsuccessful 2006 gubernatorial run on the DFL ticket, had been working on special litigation projects under new Attorney General Lori Swanson, a DFLer who had been Hatch’s solicitor general. 

Thirty of the 350 members of Swanson’s staff have resigned since January, and while Swanson has characterized this as a normal turnover, some have argued it indicates turmoil in her office. 

Hatch’s resignation appears meant to address some of these issues.  In his resignation letter, he said, “Because of my presence in your administration, it is apparent that changes I made during my administration are unfairly attributed to you.”

He added, “It is not appropriate you should become targets of complaints involving my administration.”

In a statement, Swanson praised Hatch, calling him “one of the most talented, successful and hard-working lawyers I know.”