DFL U.S. Rep. Tim Walz's campaign announced this afternoon that they had picked up the endorsement of former Republican governor Arne Carlson.

Carlson, who held office in the 1990s, broke with his party earlier this fall when he endorsed Independence Party candidate for governor Tom Horner. He also endorsed Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election, noting at the time he was a "Republican maverick."

In the First District in southern Minnesota, Walz is heading into a competitive race with Republican Randy Demmer.

"Over the next two years it is absolutely imperative that the President and Congress bring the budget into balance. It must be done on a bipartisan basis with leaders who have the ability to rise above short term pressures and put our long term interests first. This is not about political parties. Tim Walz is one of the most outstanding leaders that Minnesota has and we need his abilities in Washington," Carlson said in a statement.

Walz had previously touted the endorsement of former Republican Sen. Dave Durenberger.