Political Notebook

Carlson weighs in on Brodkorb and marriage amendment

Former Republican Gov. Arne Carlson was in town last night to talk about his opposition to the Voter ID amendment, but during his presentation he spent some time talking about fired Senate staffer Michael Brodkorb. In particular, he focused on Brodkorb's assertion that the marriage amendment was put on the ballot primary as a way to turn out the Republican base.

"Michael Brodkorb is back in the news. As one political observer said, 'He is the gift that keeps giving,'" Carlson said getting laughs from the crowd.

The former governor went on to talk about the idea that putting the  marriage amendment on the ballot was all about partisan gain.

"How interesting it is to know that while these senators were rolling in each others' beds they were blaming the gay community for violating and threatening the sanctity of marriage. What a novel approach," he said.

Brordkorb was fired from his job as Senate communications director and it was later revealed he had been having an affair with then-Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch. He is suing the Senate arguing he was improperly terminated because other staff who have had affairs with legislators were not fired but moved into other positions. Carlson said he expects Brodkorb "probably will do quite well" in his lawsuit.

 

Carlson and Penny to speak out against Voter ID in Rochester

Former Republican Gov. Arne Carlson and former congressman and Independence Party gubernatorial candidate Tim Penny are both planning to visit Rochester this month to speak out against the proposed Voter ID constitutional amendment.

Carlson plans to talk about his opposition to the amendment at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Century High School, 2525 Viola Road N.E. in Rochester. Penny, president and CEO of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, will speak at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at the Rochester Senior Center, 121 N. Broadway.

Both events are free and open to the public. They are sponsored by the League of Women Voters, AARP, the Rochester Senior Center, AAUW and Our Vote, Our Future.