Lori Swanson

 

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Lori Swanson was former Attorney General Mike Hatch's close aide throughout his eight-year term. When he ran for governor in 2006 and the DFL's first endorsee for attorney general withdrew from that race, Hatch backed Swanson's run in the primary and general election. She won handily in her first bid for elected office, while Hatch was narrowly defeated in the governor's race.

 

Swanson was quickly embroiled in controversy, as dozens of staffers departed and a union accused her of retaliation against lawyers attempting to organize the office.

To date, Swanson has been comparatively low-key in what has historically been a high profile position whose holders have used it to build their reputations and propel further political ambitions, The last three attornies general in Minnesota left the post to run (unsuccessfully) for governor.

 

Lori Swanson stories from Star Tribune

• AG office queried about diverted funds
  
  A suit settled in 2006 channeled funds to a nonprofit whose political wing later endorsed Mike Hatch for governor. The legislative auditor wants to know more.
• Dairy odors drive out families, but attract lawsuit
  
  State officials filed suit against Excel Dairy just north of Thief River Falls, charging that it has failed to abide by a range of environmental laws and operating permits.
• Letters to the editor for Friday, June 6, 2008
  
  The Republican Six who overrode Gov. Tim Pawlenty's veto of the transportation bill look even more forward-thinking today.
• No reason for further probe of AG's office, legislative auditor says
• Editorial: Minnesotans deserve better from AG's office
• May 28: Cleared by a review, AG fires accuser
• May 28: Union busting thrives in office of labor-backed attorney general
• Auditor weighs in on complaints about Minn. attorney general
• Hard-to-peg attorney general defined by those around her
• Supporters plan anew after veto of bill to keep debt out of treatment

Lori Swanson stories from other sources

• Auditor eyes 2006 Minn. lawsuit settlement terms - CNNMoney.com
• Two new issues surface involving attorney general's office - MinnPost.com
• Capitol hearing reveals specifics of allegations against Swanson ... - Twin Cities Planet
• PETA Urges Minnesota Attorney General to Consider Banning Future ... - PETA (press release)
• Operator of smelly feedlot faces lawsuit in Minn. - WKBT
• Hatch attack: His allegations don't fit the facts - MinnPost.com
• The Daily Digest: 6-30-08 - Minnesota Public Radio
• States take a whack at foreclosures - CNNMoney.com
• Your legal rights: The real deal on reverse mortgages - Alexandria Echo Press
• Gun ruling unlikely to change Minn. gun laws - WKBT