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

[Vantunow]

Descent People of the World Unite!

[saxmaniac]

I think you meant "decent" people. "Descent" people would be the gopers who have descended to some bedrock level of stupidity and cupidity.

[joshuahmcdonald]

I think you meant "Decent".

[Ironquill]

Let's hope that the Republican party will reconstitute itself and reduce the overwhelming influence of evangelicals within the party. Thanks to Palin and Bachman, we see more clearly the bigotry and the disrespect of our constitution by people with essentially religious goals.

The really odd thing to me is that McCain decided to placate the base, instead of staying a real maverick. Instead of this mess, he might have been a monumental force for moderation.

[roshni]

I think the rethugs need to listen to why Barry Goldwater's granddaughter is endorsing Obama. The party had fallen off the deep end in pandering to bible-thumpers and racists.

[mk610]

Thank you Gov. Carlson. I am proud to be a Minnesotan today. You are a true independent thinker and a real maverick. My faith in America has been flagging in the face of the Republcian's dirty campaigning. Folks like you keep the candle flickering.

[levibatgirl]

Arne Carlson is one of the endangered species of moderate republicans.

When I think of him I remember a lecture he gave a few years back at a local law school in the twin cities.
It was broadcast on public radio. It was all about the Gonzalez DOJ and their lawlessness.

I *heart* Gov Arne Carlson.

[Cambridge9]

I have to admit that I had never heard of Gov. Carlson but your post makes me admire the man.

Welcome aboard, Governor!!

[emanzipiert]

It's so refreshing to see that some Republicans are actually showing intelligence and courage. Maybe not all is lost. VOTE FOR OBAMA.

[Yarrr]

I wouldn't be suprised if the republican party eventually splintered into the moderate fiscal conservatives and the extreme right wing elements that have hijacked the party.

[MPeter]

Kudos Governor Carlson. Thank You!!!!

[CaliTLC]

Smart man. He actually puts COUNTRY FIRST.

[KarlaElisa]

Welcome.

Glad to have you on board.

[BluePride]

A 1965 Voting Rights Act national radio ad:
http://current.com/items/89434265_obama_2008_things_are_changing
Similar problems then, too...

[Kindheart]

You go, Gov. Carlson. I bet you also have lots to say about Michele Bachmann.

[ebanks84]

It's beautiful to know that GOODNESS will finally win! It makes you feel so good inside to know people are such loving, caring creatures and when we care for one another, there's nothing WE CAN'T DO!

I LOVE AMERICA AND I LOVE OBAMA!

[Jules1]

Change is coming, people are waking up, Change is coming!! Go Vote!!

[margoharris]

Thank you for supporting Barack Obama.
We all want our country back from the neo-cons and wack jobs that have been running our government into the ground.

Godspeed Obama!

[TenThings]

Just GO VOTE!!!!

[bella]

I am a life-long dem and vote along party lines. However, ONE time I did vote for a Republican. That vote was for Arne. Thanks for supporting Obama, Arne!