Republican Former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson Endorses Barack Obama for President
Respected two-term Republican governor cited Obama’s steady leadership in crisis and rejection of McCain’s shameful negative tactics
ST. PAUL – Republican former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson today endorsed Senator Barack Obama as the best candidate to be the next president of the United States. In a speech to more than 100 Minnesotans at the Minnesota State Capitol, Carlson cited the stark contrast between Senator Obama’s steady leadership through economic crisis and Senator McCain’s erratic, uncertain behavior and his low-road campaign.
Carlson, who supported John McCain during the Republican primary process, was joined at the event by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar who was campaigning across Minnesota for Obama’s Campaign for Change on Thursday.
Carlson served as Minnesota governor from 1991-1999 and served three terms as state auditor from 1979-1991. He lives with his wife in Plymouth, MN.
“Barack Obama is the only candidate who can bring this country together to get the economy working again for middle-class families,” Carlson said. “I was hoping for a real discussion between serious candidates about how to fix this economic crisis. It had been my hope that Senator McCain would have seen the series of challenges we face as an opportunity to lead the Republican Party with fresh ideas. But, he hasn’t done that.
“Instead of offering a national vision for our nation, Senator McCain has resorted to smear tactics in an effort to scare voters and stir up the right-wing base. Senator Obama has been a remarkably disciplined and focused leader who will become a truly great president. There is no doubt that Senator Barack Obama is the right choice for president in these challenging times.”
