Hatch concedes election

Posted: 11/8/06

by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter

Attorney General Mike Hatch conceded the governorís race Wednesday (Nov. 8) morning, some seven hours after Gov. Tim Pawlenty declared a win.

Hatch, soft spoken by also cracking jokes, refrained from discussing the election to any extent, saying he was still too close to it.

But Hatch felt pangs about losing.

ìI feel I left down a lot of people,î he said.

ìAnd I feel bad about it,î said Hatch.

Hatch indicated that would likely return to private law practice ó heís done well at it, he said.

He didnít see himself, at 58, in the role of a candidate again, he said.

Hatch said he had called the governor and the two had a cordial conversation.

Asked if he would have done anything differently in the past campaign, a smiling Hatch quipped heíd win.

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