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.

 

Brodkorb signs on to Parry's congressional campaign

Michael Brodkorb announced this morning he is resigning as deputy chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota in order to help with Sen. Mike Parry's congressional campaign.

Brodkorb said he will serve as a volunteer advisor to Parry, who announced on Friday he will run against DFL Congressman Tim Walz for the 1st Congressional District Seat. In a news release, Brodkorb is quoted as saying, "I believe Senator Parry can put the 1st Congressional District where it belongs — in the Republican win column. I have worked for Senator Parry since he was elected in a special election to the Minnesota Senate in '10 and genuinely believe he is the right person to do this."

Apparently Brodkorb had to step down in order to work on the Parry campaign. Under the bylaws of the Republican Party, party officers are prohibited from supporting a candidate prior to endorsement. Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton said he may appoint an interim deputy chair who would serve until the next regularly scheduled State Central Committee Meeting in December.

Brodkorb is used to wearing plenty of hats. He also serves as the communications director for the Minnesota Senate. He gained prominence in the party after he founded the Democrats Exposed blog. He stopped writing for the blog in order to work for the Senate.