Governor Pawlenty must think we have very short memories if he expects us to believe that four more years with him will bring us “better times ahead” (Sept. 24 Free Press).

He says he can work with both Democrats and Republicans but this is the governor who caused the only shutdown of Minnesota state government in history. Why? Because he did not work together with the legislature.

As a candidate, Pawlenty seems to be spending all his campaign money and time attacking Democrats while running from his record. And it can get worse.

This is the governor who caused huge increases in tuition at Minnesota State University. Pawlenty’s Department of Transportation is so mismanaged that road contractors refuse to bid on jobs. This governor increased many fees. This is a governor who allowed his Department of Human Services to put sex offenders in nursing homes to live with innocent patients, to save money.

Contrast this to Mike Hatch. He has gone after waste in the health care industry. He has a plan to reduce tuition — and a plan to pay for it. As attorney general, he made sure that sex offenders were taken off the streets. His office has prosecuted hundreds of meth cases over the last eight years.

Based on how he’s run the AG’s office, Hatch will bring great people into state government who can actually get things done.

If we had Pawlenty as governor for four more years, Minnesota would end up a cold Arkansas.

If we elect Hatch, there may actually be better times ahead.

Ryan Granata

Mankato