Capitol View: December 13, 2010 Archive

Martin running for DFL Chair

Posted at 12:17 PM on December 13, 2010 by Tom Scheck

Ken Martin announced today that he's running for DFL Party Chair. He's making the announcement three days after DFL Chair Brian Melendez announced he's not running for another term. Martin ran the groups that funded The Alliance for a Better Minnesota, worked on Mike Hatch's run for governor in 2006, was State Director for John Kerry's presidential run and organized efforts to raise the sales tax for the environment, the outdoors, arts and cultural programs.

Here's part of Martin's e-mail to the DFL Party's State Central Committee:

As you consider the direction of our party, please think about the qualities that our party leadership should bring to the table. In order for our party to thrive we need to have successful fundraising efforts, effective strategic messaging and communications, and widespread coalition building. We need all of our allies involved in the process - activists, volunteers, elected officials, and donors. I strongly believe that my experience demonstrates that I have the qualifications that are necessary to successfully lead this party.

Martin also announced that he has a running mate, Marge Hoffa. She's seeking the post of Associate Chair. Hoffa will help Martin's bid since she's well connected with grass roots activists.

Party activists will announce a new chair on February 5th.

Here's the full e-mail:

Ken Martin Announcement_12 13 10

Hatch daughter dead in Chicago

Posted at 2:03 PM on December 13, 2010 by Tim Pugmire

CBS in Chicago is reporting that Anne Hatch, 27, the daughter of former Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch, was found dead Sunday in her condo.

The exact cause of death was not known.

Anne Hatch and her sister Elizabeth were arrested in Chicago in 2004 following a confrontation with a police officer outside a nightclub. The sisters were later acquitted of battery, resisting arrest and criminal damage.

UPDATE

Mike Hatch's lawfirm colleague, Jerry Blackwell, issued this statement from the Hatch family:

Our daughter, Anne, died unexpectedly yesterday in Chicago. This is a sad and painful time for our family. Nothing in life can prepare you for the loss of a child. We are grateful for the outpouring of support and compassion we have received from so many people. We ask that our family's privacy be respected at this very difficult time.

The Chicago Tribune reports that Anne Hatch died by hanging, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office, which ruled her death a suicide.