My Campaign For Attorney General

08/09/2006

August 9, 2006

Dear Fellow Minnesotan: 

I’m running for Attorney General to be an advocate for patients, seniors, consumers, and ordinary citizens.

I have the passion and experience to “hit the ground running” as Attorney General.  Over the last seven and one-half years, I have been Mike Hatch’s Solicitor General and Deputy Attorney General.  I have been responsible for the lawsuits brought by Attorney General Hatch against HMOs, insurance companies, banks, mortgage companies, predatory lenders, and pharmaceutical and health care companies.  I have held powerful interests accountable for their wrongdoing and consistently stood up for those with little clout when the deck is stacked against them.  Minnesotans have been able to count on me to be on their side.  I hope you will take a moment to read more about my work on my website, http://www.swansonforattorneygeneral.com

As Attorney General, I will continue my strong track record of looking out for the interests of ordinary Minnesotans.  I’ll fight for HMO and health care reform as Attorney General, just as I’ve done as Minnesota Solicitor General.  I’ll take action against prescription drug companies that engage in price-fixing or that conspire to keep cheaper generic alternatives off the market.  I’ll crack down on HMOs and insurance companies that deny the coverage policyholders need and deserve.  And I’ll be a tough and strong champion for the public on financial privacy, fraud, predatory lending, consumer protection, and public safety.

I’ll also vigorously oppose attempts by politicians in Washington, D.C. to water down the rights of patients, workers, and consumers.  In the last few years, the same Washington politicians who in the past used “state’s rights” as an excuse for the federal government not to act in important areas like civil rights have begun to use “federal preemption” as a tool to deregulate industries like banking, health care, and prescription drugs.  The latest effort was by the Republican Senator from Wyoming, who tried to preempt the states’ authority to regulate HMO premiums and claims-handling procedures.  I worked with Attorney General Hatch to oppose this bill so that patients, policyholders, and workers retain the protections they need and deserve.  And I’ll continue to oppose such efforts as Attorney General.

In short, I’ll be an Attorney General who is a watchdog, not a lapdog.  I ask for your support and your vote in the September Democratic Primary.

Sincerely,

Lori Swanson

P.S.  I hope you will take a few moments to visit my website, http://www.swansonforattorneygeneral.com