MDE EXCLUSIVE: MIKE HATCH AND THE GIRLS OF ALARY'S

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In 2002, Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch held numerous campaign events at Alary’s bar in St. Paul. Alary’s current website, www.alarys.com, has pictures of female staff in provocative and sexually suggestive positions.

These pictures define sexual exploitation and Alary’s could be called a cheap version of Hooters.

Hatch spent $5725 at Alary's for numerous campaign events, including a post-general election party. Below are copies of Hatch's 2002 campaign finance report which show both campaign and non-campaign expenses paid to Alary's.

Copies of Hatch's 2002 campaign finance report are available at The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.

The following are examples of how feminist groups would classify the pictures available on Alary’s Web site and the businesses that exploit women.

· The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women defines sexual exploitations as: the sexual violation of a person’s human dignity, equality, and physical mental integrity. Source: www.catwinternational.org

· The National Organization for Women (NOW) suggests picketing “men’s clubs” Hooters, or any business that exploits women’s bodies. Source: www.nowfoundation.org

· The Minnesota’s Women Press reports that Minnesotans boycotted the Mall of America, demanding the removal of Hooters. Source: www.womenspress.com

What is Mike Hatch’s record on sexual harassment and exploitation?

Governor Rudy Perpich’s former chief of staff was sued for sexual harassment by one of his former secretaries and another woman. Mike Hatch, who was challenging Perpich for the DFL endorsement for governor, said the sexual harassment lawsuits were a potential campaign issue:

“These are very serious charges and fairness dictates that the courts determine if they are justified…However, clearly, if they are justified, the governor has a tremendous accountability problem.” Source: Mike Hatch cited by Associated Press, June 7, 1990

After a national prostitution ring headquartered in Minnesota is uncovered, Hatch proposes new efforts to fight teenage prostitution:

“As Attorney General and a father of three girls I want to protect our children from sexual predators and exploitation. We may not be able to save every child or teen, but we have to try. Changing our enforcement techniques, increasing awareness, and improving our prevention efforts are just the beginning.” – Source: Mike Hatch, The Hofstede Committee Report: Juvenile Prostitution in Minnesota, November 3, 1999

It is inconsistent for Hatch in his capacity as Minnesota’s Attorney General and as a potential candidate for governor or senate to lead a public crusade against sexual harassment and the exploitation of women and then hold campaign events at a bar that publishes pictures of female staff in reveling costumes and sexual positions.

I would like to thank the many Republicans and Democrats who email tips and information to me (like the information used in this post) for use on Minnesota Democrats Exposed.

This blog is dedicated to a truthful discussion on the activities, statements, and tactics of Minnesota Democrats. After viewing some of the pictures on Alary's website, Minnesota Democrats EXPOSED has a whole new meaning.