MINNEAPOLIS — The Democratic challenger to southern Minnesota’s sitting congressman, Brad Finstad, received a surprrise endorsement — from a former Republican governor of Minnesota. Arne Carlson, who was governor from 1991 to 1999, encouraged voters to support Jake Johnsn, a Rochester Democrat, to in effect run Finstad out of office. Carlson’s endorsement aimed at Finstad’s unflinching allegiance to President Trump.
“Right now, over 80% of Americans do not trust their government and that must change, and change now. That is why I am endorsing Jake Johnson for Congress. I know he will go to bat for term limits, work towards a balanced budget, and represent the people and not just the wealthy interests.”
The influence of Carlson, now 91, is hard to assess. If nothing else, the significance is symbolic. Finstad has been a lock-step Trump toady. Finstad has voted consistently to support Trump on he Iran war, his global trade war, the faltering economy, and raids on federal health and nutritional funding.
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Carlson. Although historically a Republican, he has gravitated to political independence in his retirement years