Arne Carlson, Former GOP Governor, Endorses Obama

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Arne Carlson, a former Republican governor in Minnesota, has endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Carlson said Thursday that the Illinois senator's stances on the Iraq war, the economy and green energy goals won him over. Carlson, who served from 1991 to 1998, also cited recent comments by GOP Congresswoman Michele Bachmann questioning whether politicians have "pro-America or anti-America views."

"Regardless of our party, regardless of our partisan inclinations, there is no interest more compelling than the interest in the well-being of the United States," Carlson said at a gathering of Obama supporters at the state Capitol.

Carlson added, "He has laid out for this nation a vision for a national purpose."

Carlson was considered a moderate Republican during his two terms in office. This isn't the first Democrat he has backed for political office. He said he considers himself "a Republican maverick."

Minnesota's current governor, Tim Pawlenty, is a strong supporter of GOP hopeful John McCain. Carlson said he wasn't approached about endorsing McCain or asked to remain neutral.

Comments

[chris76543]

Another article quoted Mr. Carlson:
And Arne Carlson, the former governor of Minnesota, wrote in the Minneapolis Star Tribune that he would vote for Obama because of, among other things, McCain's “choice of Sarah Palin as a running mate and the resultant shallow campaign based on fear and suspicion.”

He expressed my feelings better than I could... "the resultant shallow campaign" after Sarah was selected. I don't know if it's her personally or if someone is working puppet strings (more likely someone is pulling strings - the RNC would chastise/stop her if they didn't approve), but Palin has given the GOP campaign a whiney, bitchy, off the track, unrelated-to-the-issues theme that doesn't play well against Mr. Obama. This might have more effect against a whiney, bitchy, off the track opponent, but Mr. Obama sticks to the facts and remains cool which makes Palin/McCain seem even more petty when the country REALLY needs and wants a stable leader. This is the first campaign where mudslinging hasn't been very contagious - GOP throws crap at Obama and it just rolls off. Is good to finally have a candidate I want to vote FOR instead of wanting to vote against the worst of the schlepps.

[CognitiveDissonance]

I had the inestimable privilege to work for Gov. Carlson. He is an extraordinarily principled politician and a deeply caring individual - caring both about MN (not wanting the rest of the country to paint the whole state as folks who share Ms Bachmann's radical views) and about the direction of our country.

Arne is very straight forward - what he says he believes to his core. He was wise as governor and has turned into a great statesman. He exemplified true, bi-partisan leadership in MN and he sees those qualities in Obama.

Governor Carlson's endorsement of Sen. Obama recognizes that he, Obama, is what we need to get the country back on track.

BTW: I'm an independent - not tied to either party.

[ElitistWhitePerson]

I'm from Minnesota, and I remember Governor Carlson's years in office. I think I even voted for him in his second term. That does not happen often! He was and is a true moderate, and a thoughtful and admirable man. I am pleased to hear that he has endorsed Obama, because as an earlier blogger said, he is well respected in Minnesota, and his endorsement may help some people decide.
By the way, Michelle Bachmann is bat-sh_t crazy, and John Kline is just plain mean. I would love to see them both out of office.
Minnesota is going blue once again!!

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

[DrewRicketts]

I hope John McCain is happy to be the official maverick. He'll be on the outside of winning if the trend continues. The full list of Republicans ditching McCain: http://newsone.blackplanet.com/elections/list-of-republicans-ditching-mccain-47-so-far/

[YouDisgustMe]

icy hot serving of mavericky goodness!!

thanks mr. carlson!!

[qxav949]

Obama en espanol, making the pitch. Broaden the base and unite the people. I agree 100%.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZhu8SaodPw

Go Obama-Biden '08.

[steveAC10]

As a former Minnesotan, I also have to admit Arne is the ONLY Republican running for major office I have ever voted for. He's a level headed, thoughtful man who led that state well for two terms (not to mention putting up with his whack job of an ex-wife, who was a politician/talk radio personality with no semblance of an inside voice)with tact and good humor. Thanks for putting party aside to do the right thing Arne - one thing we could always count on you to do.

[tangelan]

He's getting all Mavericky in there and ruffling feathers. Thanks Arne!

[TrueIndy08]

So.... Carlson, a Republican endorses Obama and the world is ok...

Lincoln Chaffey, a Republican endorses Obama... and campaigns for him... world is ok

Colin Powell.... a Republican endorses Obama and the right throws a hissy fit and wants to claim "reverse racism"


These idiots want to throw race in as much as possible.... the truth of the matter is, Obama is far superior than McCain can ever dream of being.... get over skin color Rethugs.... you and your policies just SUCK and are downright dangerous for America and the rest of the world

[babs04]

Great statesmanship. Arne Carlson was a very good governor in Minnesota. He's now looking at the issues facing the country and supporting what's really going to get us back on the right track!
As a side note, El Tinklenberg's campaign has done very well after Bachmann's horrifying interview. (Yes!!). Please spread a little support to two other MN US representative races. Steve Sarvi (Dem, Iraqi war vet) is running against an incumbent staunch conservative and Bush/McCain supporter (John Kline), and Ashwin Madia (Dem, Iraqi war vet and lawyer) is running against Michelle Bachmann's mentor (Eric Paulson). It won't take huge dollars to turn these campaigns into wins for the Dems. But it may take more than they currently have. Please help them if you can.

[specultr]

What's the word? Tinklenburg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJBpL5ORWUo&eurl

[Shopman]

FWIW,I want all readers to know that Carlson is no neocon. After listening to many of his interviews Arne is as solid a patriot as you will ever find. He is even tempered and rational. I can't say enough good things about Gov. Carlson. If Arne were to run today, I am 1 Democrat who would vote for him if I could.

I also want all people to know that Arne is very well respected in Minnesota and this endorsement will have sway in Mn. He is a good man and the people of Mn know this. I very happy.

[liseworks]

Thanks for the info : ) !

[lagumbo]

HEY looks like their are some republicans who really love this county, and they are not willing to take a chance on MCCAIN. Wouuldn,t it be something if oh RUSH, come out and support OBAMA. HA HA HA

[geber22]

I'm an Obama fan, but McCain would have been the best Republican president this country had in 30 years. He's running the worst campaign ever, pleading to an ignorant Republican base that he should have just taken for granted!

[LiarLiarIraqsOnFire]

You may be right and if you are, just what does it about the Republican Party that John Sidney McCain-Keating V is the best they could scrape up.

[munki]

wow... soon... there's a man promoting Republicrats, but may end up being...
Democrapublican...

[Liberoservative]

Totally off topic but WOW...

Rachel just reported that 98 percent of all eligible voters in Michigan have registered to vote...

I mean.. just fracking WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Michigan!!!!! Get out there and vote!!! VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!!!!


I love you Michigan!!!

[Sergeantsmom]

98%?
Damn, Michigan has more civic supporters than God!!