Former Gov. Arne Carlson, who won two terms as a Republican, has endorsed DFL challenger Jim Graves over incumbent Republican Congresswoman Michele Bachmann in the 6th District congressional race.
Republicans say: Big deal. They call Carlson a former governor and a former Republican. Carlson did endorse President Obama in 2008 and Tim Walz in 2010, and has been a moderate voice on many issues, including opposition this year to the voting and marriage amendments.
The Pioneer Press quotes Carlson in his endorsement of Graves saying:
“When I look at Jim Graves, I see a man who to a large extent epitomizes the American Dream. [Congress] needs more entrepreneurs. [Jim] has the kind of background that Congress frankly needs. We have a lot people … who talk about growing jobs, but very few who ever did. Jim Graves knows how to do it."
Carlson has been critical of Bachmann for years and said in his endorsement of Graves that Congress needs fewer show horses and more work horses.