Arne Helge Carlson is an American Republican politician, who served as 37th Governor of Minnesota. His governorship was noted for creating a state surplus, elementary and secondary education funding, and support of the University of Minnesota. This collection presents archival interviews, speeches and commentary of Carlson.
Born September 24th, 1934, in New York City, Carlson moved to Minnesota where he served on the Minneapolis City Council from 1965 to 1967, member of Minnesota House of Representatives from 1971 to 1979, and Minnesota State Auditor from 1979 to 1991. While coming in second during Republican primary in Governor’s race in 1990, a scandal forced out Republican candidate Jon Grunseth, which led to Carlson becoming a “write-in” candidate and winning election over DFL candidate, Rudy Perpich.
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March 13, 1973 - MPR’s Dulcie Lawrence reports on daycare legislation debate at the State Capitol after Nixon administration guidelines bring cutbacks to daycare, healthcare, and welfare. Reports includes clip of Minnesota House Representative Arne Carlson speaking in favor of daycare funding.
April 3, 1974 - Questions have arisen as to whether Minnesota’s new abortion law is unconstitutional. MPR’s Dulcie Lawrence gets comments from several legislators on their thought process in voting for or against the bill, including William Kelly, of E. Grand Forks; William Ojala of Aurora; and Arne Carlson of Minneapolis.
July 23, 1981 - MPR’s Bob Aronson interviews Arne Carlson, Minnesota’s state auditor, about what his office is focused on, including a fiscal stress program. The goal of program is to prevent a serious economic problem.
August 25, 1982 - Midday presents a lively debate for state auditor role. Incumbent Independent-Republican State Auditor Arne Carlson and challenger Paul Wellstone, DFL, discuss their differing views on how best the auditor’s office can benefit the state.
August 11, 1983 - On this Midday program, a conversation with Arne Carlson, Minnesota’s state auditor, who breaks down the process of auditing government entities and comments on the fiscal health of the state. Carlson also answers listener call-in questions.
September 4, 1985 - MPR’s Stephen Smith reports on Arne Carlson’s announcement in bid for governor’s office in 1986. Carlson, Minnesota’s state auditor and longtime Republican, is known for his perceived centrist views and tough temperament.
April 8, 1986 - MPR’s Stephen Smith reports that Minnesota Stata Auditor Arne Carlson is dropping out of gubernatorial race. Issues raising money and a crowded field of possible candidates, including Dave Jennings, played into Carlson’s decision.
July 26, 1988 - Morning Edition’s Loren Omoto interviews Arne Carlson, Minnesota’s state auditor, about his announcement on running for governor two years before the actual election. Carlson says he believes that his centrist views of being fiscally conservative while pushing for better state education will sit well with his fellow republicans.
June 12, 1990 - MPR’s Karen Boros interviews Arne Carlson, Minnesota’s state auditor, about his gubernatorial candidacy. The IR gubernatorial candidate says he is not seeking party endorsement to avoid being tied down by what he sees as far right policies and platforms that will alienate the greater electorate.
October 23, 1990 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Arne Carlson about his renewed gubernatorial candidacy. Despite losing in the Republican primary earlier in year to Jon Grunseth, Carlson has chosen to still run for governor.