Star Tribune & DFL Viscious Smear Campaign (Ron Carey's response)

Dear Friends,

Mike Hatch. Star Tribune. Smear Campaign….What a surprise!

I was saddened to learn that the Minnesota Attorney General’s office decided to release a confidential investigation report to the Star Tribune in an attempt to exploit a politically sensitive time for me.

Today, the Star Tribune chose to publish an article attacking me and my association with the Minnesota Autism Center, a non-profit organization devoted to helping improve the lives of disabled children. Relying on this leaked and one-sided material, the article contained personal attacks, innuendo, and outright falsehoods. I just have to say it: there he goes again.

Nearly six months after he lost his third gubernatorial bid after a monumental meltdown, it’s payback time for an embittered and angry Mike Hatch. Hatch is once again coming after me personally – and dragging disabled children into the fray – to try and settle a score.

I won’t back down to Hatch and his handpicked cronies. The truth is: Hatch is an out of control bully who is still bent on destroying his political opponents. Two years ago, I faced a similar lawsuit that resulted in a complete dismissal due to the lack of evidence to support the claims. Once I became Chairman, Hatch and his liberal allies resurrected many of those charges that had been rejected and started the attack process that has resulted in today’s assault. The timing of this leak is obvious. Mike Hatch wants to destroy my reputation and character in an attempt to influence Republican Party leadership.

Hatch’s slanted report has been in the hands of federal officials since last summer. I believe his first goal was to use these allegations as one of his “October Surprises.” Contrary to Mike Hatch’s insinuations, their investigation has led to no formal complaints.

The Minnesota Autism Center has been working in a close, collaborative manner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring this matter to a positive conclusion. Sadly, I believe that the goal of this attack has not been to present evidence in an unbiased fashion, but to generate a public relations hit at an opportune time.

I am not personally implicated in this matter; I am solely a volunteer Board Member who is donating my time and talents in striving to better the lives of those less fortunate.

I am honored to be your Chairman and will continue to stand firm against our liberal opponents and take their arrows if necessary to advance our cause.

As my family endures and copes with these vicious attacks, I ask that you hold this situation up in your prayers so that the light of truth will be seen by all.

Sincerely,


Ron Carey