Carlson touring state Monday for the Independence Party Candidate.

Dave Lee talks to Arne Carlson on the WCCO Morning News:

A bit of a surprise in the race for Minnesota Governor, from a former Minnesota governor.  Former Governor Arne Carlson is endorsing Independence Party candidate Tom Horner.  Carlson, a Republican who served as governor from 1991 to 1999, says the current economic situation the state has influenced his choice.  “I don’t think you can tax your way out of it, and two, you can cut your way out of it.  Tom Horner has said we’re going down the middle.” Carlson said on the WCCO Morning News with Dave Lee.

Splitting with party is nothing new for Carlson. He has been critical of Governor Tim Pawlenty and his fiscal policies on several occasions, and in 2008, he endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president.

 The chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party says Carlson’s endorsement should come as no surprise given his previous endorsements of President Obama and other “big spending liberals.”