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

[MNmommy]

Thanks Arne, we miss you man!

[happypup]

Thank you, Mr. Carlson! Your honor and honesty and most are truly apprecaited!

[indi1216]

welcome to the light...

[allwrite]

Has there ever been an election where so many current and former office holders at state and federal level have endorsed an opposition candidate for President?
Seems like a pretty strong indictment of the current Republican leadership.

[scorpioleidy]

Why thank you!

[michie62]

Arne Carlson is the only Republican that this Democrat-F­armer-Labo­r party member ever voted for. He was wonderful for education and left our state with a HUGE surplus, which Gov. Ventura gave back to the people and then we became stuck with wannabe Tim Pawlenty. Arne is great guy and the repubs in this state have treated him horribly since he left office. This man was once our state auditor and so he knows "where the buck stops" and knows b.s. when he hears it. Congrats Arne for speaking yoru convictions. Go Barack, Go Al Franken and Go Tim Walz (our first district Congressman)!!!!

[Opt1musPr1me]

All these GOPers backing the Obama? It's because he is black :)

[cjgnew]

That's a darn good line!

[leighg1]

WOW Mr. Carlson Thank you!
You are the one who really put the country first just as Mr. Powell! I

[sillyseason]

Welcome, Governor Carlson, and thank you!!!

[DieHardObamaSupporter]

Here's a GREAT way to support Senator Obama while he visits his grandmothe­r.....

PLEASE start posting on at least 3 blogs, per day reminders to VOTE EARLY andABSENTEE VOTE. Refer them to Senator Obama's website for their states guidelines regarding VOTE EARLY/ABSENTEE VOTE in their state. This is one of the best ways we can support Senator Obama THIS WEEK by maintaining his momentum.

If we hit big numbers THIS WEEK it will keep him in the news in a POSITIVE WAY.

http://www.barackobama.com/voters/

Let's knock these EARLY/ABSENTEE VOTES out the park this week.

As the song goes, let's give them something to talk about.

[msladydeborah]

Excellent suggestions!

This is a great way to honor the woman who has been essential in Barack's life!
Thanks for the great idea.

[bcolei]

thank you, arne. you just showed the country that there are some sensible minnesota republicans and that they aren't all delusional, hateful idiots like michele bachmann.

[cjgnew]

Who says that good judgment is overrated? This woman managed to destroy all that she worked for with one awful utterrance. Even the RNC pulled their support for her after that.

[Kiba]

Everybody get on board. We've got plenty of room.

[progressivepam]

Finally, finally, finally... Republicans are starting to exhibit some independence and break away from the goose-step they've been in since 1994.

[huhwatjusay]

another example of Sen. Obama bringing people together.
Mahalo Gov. Carlson for your support.

America is on the verge of actually BEING what we claim we are!!
vote early !!

[KQuarksSuperKollider]

One of the biggest half truths of the Republican Party is that American corporations pay the most taxes because we have higher tax rates then most countries. Most other countries have a far less complex system for giving corporations huge tax breaks. Tax burden is a much better measure of what corporations pay in taxes in the US compared to the rest of the world. US corporations pay the 37th LOWEST tax burden for the top forty industrialized nations. Jobs move over seas because Republicans give them tax breaks to do so, those other countries have ch eap labor, other governments subsidizes industries and other countries like Canada has much lower medical costs per employee. For example a US company spends on average $6,000/employee on health care per year while Canadian companies pay $800.

Check out the tax burden by country.

http://www.forbes.com/global/2006/0522/032a.html