Arne Carlson backs Obama
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Former GOP Gov. Arne Carlson just endorsed Barack Obama for president. Carlson said he was a "strong supporter of both Joe Biden and John McCain" during the primary season but was unhappy with the direction McCain's campaign took since the Republican National Convention. Carlson said Obama "has laid out for this nation a vision for a national purpose."
I'll post his audio shortly.
Here's the audio:
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Question of the day: Does this bring any added votes to Obama's campaign?
Update: News Cut takes a look at how Carlson has been closer to Democrats than Republicans in recent years.
UPDATE: When asked about Carlson's endorsement, Gov. Pawlenty said this:
"It's no surprise. Governor Carlson has said many years ago publicly that he has left the Republican Party and I think he was dissatisfied and I think he has declared himself an Independent or a Democrat long ago."