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

[Spesabsquemetu]

And conscientious concerned conservatives continue to join with democrats and independents to UNITE behind Sen. Obama as our next president of the United States of America.

Sen. Obama's message of UNITY is clearly not just words but demonstrated in unifying ACTIONS, unlike those of John McCain who talks a great deal about reaching across party lines, but burns the hands of anyone who dares to disagree with him or his campaign practices.

The unity forming behind Sen. Obama is indeed inspiring as it captures the essence of what democracy is supposed to be about.

E Pluribus Unum!!!

[Minneapolis51]

Not many people outside of Minnesota know Governor Carlson but I think he is the best governor we ever had. To those that know him this is a significant endorsement. For a Republican to endorse a Democrat is unusual. Carlson is a straight shooter and a man of integrity. This endorsement is a wonderful compliment to Obama and a big vote of "no confidence" in McCain and Palin.

[gulopartisan]

What is happening in the waning days of the election is that decency is winning. The two-party system is about difference, not hatred. Decent, honest Republicans have been silent too long.

[DebbieinPhx]

Good for you! It's a hopeful sign to say the least when the truly concerned public servants set aside party and ideolgoical spin to say what they truly believe. Thanks to Arne

[Skeptiqone]

Ok, now we have the good governor, Goldwater's grand daughter, William F. Buckley's son, Dwight Eisenhower's daughter!

Could you imagine if the kids of the Carters, Clintons, Kennedys and Johnson's were supporting a Republican?

This is a tsunami!

[harhar2]

Thank you Arne! I'm proud of you.

[rose london]

Thank you Mr Carison. God bless us all.

[keepingup]

Even with my vivid imagination I cannot imagine what John McCain could possibly do at this point that would cause him to be elected. How does he erase poor judgment that does not in fact, put "country first?" How does he erase the lies? The misleading? The outrageous? The nasty? The Obvious.
IF he could, then it would nullify all of the endorsements for Sen. Obama. All the hope expressed by people around the world. All the sensible, serious plans and vision put forth by Senator Obama. All supporters of Obama/Biden, including those Republicans and Independents who see a better way, will have been, what.....d­elusional? How could this movement become instantly fickle? McCain could only win if people do not continue to work hard for the Obama/Biden ticket and to get the voters out on election day!! Vote early! Vote Obama/Biden!!

[sociocanuck]

Just how many endorsements are needed to prove McCain irrelevant?

[sposton]

We don't need such republicans in Republican party. We want to shrink all the way until there nobody left but our religious fundamentalist base, neo-racists, and gun waving Rambos. We want to rule again so that we can continue our main projects:

1. Transfer of wealth from many to few.

2. Export our jobs to more needy countries.

3. Give more Americans an opportunity to die for their country in far away places.

4. Give oil companies the right to continue formulating our national energy policy.

5. Continue deregulation across the board.

6. Privatize Social Security and everything else.

7. Grow the military-s­ecurity-in­dustrial-c­omplex by borrowing from Chinese.

8. Continue our fiscally irresponsible spending. After all, deficits don't matter.

9. Continue "improving" our Constitution.

etc.

[ctman47]

The Presidential race and the Michelle Bachman race will be key in telling the country the future of
"smear and fear" political campaigning in America.

Here is hoping for the "pro-American" outcome. America was founded on unity and tolerance.

[Biffmeister]

"We the people" all seek the same thing: "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
Those still willing to vote for McCain, who has by his own admission a voting record supporting Bush, need to ask themselves, "Why would I want more of the past eight years?" Under the previous Democratic president things were by comparison a tropical isle with food hanging from the trees.
Again, we all seek "Life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Obama offers the clearest (and only of the two candidates) path to this end. There is more than enough room for those voters seeking the same.
The founding fathers weren't in favor of a two party system. There can be many paths to prosperity and thus more than one party. However, if a given party acts only in the interest of prosperity for a few as the Republicans have, reject them. Dwight Eisenhower, a Republican (a much different thing than the radical/extremist party of today) warned us of those in the military/ industrial complex who would take from us our pursuit of prosperity, of "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". It's time to take it back.

[silentreader]

welcome aboard!!!! It's plenty of room for all those - regardless of party, who still are sane and have a sense of honor.

[cjgnew]

Thank you Governor! I am a Republican who's voting Obama for the same reasons--country, first; party, second.

Carlos Jean-Gilles
Saint Louis, MO

[Knute5]

This endorsement is obviously ALL ABOUT RACE!

[Bluejay00234]

Obviously it's because he's white.