Political speculation and discussion: Rep. Jim...

Ramstad is a political veteran (first elected in 1990) and has been called a "moderate" a "bedwetter" and a "RINO" (Republican in Name Only). Now we can call him "retired."

Ramstad announces his retirement from Congress

Republicans and Democrats in Minnesota's Third Congressional District are gearing up for a competitive congressional race in 2008. That's because Republican Congressman Jim Ramstad says he will not seek another term. Ramstad announced his retirement at a news conference in Minnetonka on Monday. The self described moderate said whoever wins his seat will have to work with both sides of the political aisle, something he's done for 17 years in Congress.

Polinaut blog: Who will run to replace him?

Stare into your political crystal ball and tell me what you see in the 3rd District's future.

__________________
Julia Schrenkler
Minnesota Public Radio Interactive Producer

Comments: 15

Lynn G. Sep 17, 2007, 3:53pm EDT

Probably stays GOP, but the replacement will not be "moderate". Open question whether the people who live in the district (other than the GOP central committee) will approve.

One has to wonder what he will be doing next.....

reply to this comment

Gary Fischbach Sep 17, 2007, 4:05pm EDT

This is going to be one heck of a political year!

reply to this comment

Julia Schrenkler Sep 17, 2007, 4:24pm EDT

Well Lynn, what do you think of the potential candidate list Michael Brodkorb dropped on Minnesota Democrats Exposed? As to what Ramstad will be doing next, I haven't seen the details. As of 3:13p CT he has confirmed he is retiring.

Hey, Melinda!

Gary, that's one heck of an understatement! *grin*

reply to this comment

Gary Fischbach Sep 17, 2007, 5:12pm EDT

Julia, what are YOU doing going to that website? MnDemocraticsexposed! Which is the BEST website in town that airs what the mainstream media like MPR either "misses" or "opts" not to run. Brodkorb's site is the hottest thing going in politics. And because of Franken running this year, he's becoming a big deal nationally.

Follow his sight and you will see what the media (like MPR) isn't telling you!

reply to this comment

Lynn G. Sep 17, 2007, 5:59pm EDT

Um, I'm profoundly underwhelmed by the list on both sides of the aisle. I'm getting used to that though; real leadership is hardly possible with both parties are governed by "activists". It's deeply unfortunate; Ramstad provided good leadership and role modeling. His departure is truly going to be a significant loss to all of us.

reply to this comment

Tim Nelson Sep 17, 2007, 9:34pm EDT

Most of them are in the 2020 caucus, and if you exclude the non-legislators, almost all of them are in the 2020 caucus.

Good for us. I mean that.

As an Independence party member, obviously it's too soon, but an interesting development.

reply to this comment

Susan Budig Sep 18, 2007, 1:19am EDT

I've become disillusioned with the DFL and have gone Independent as well, Tim. I endorse a multi-party system. One possible outcome of Ramstad's retiring and thus opening a seat is that we'll have a strong candidate from the Independence Party (http://www.mnip.org/) and they'll lose, but the election will force, even more urgently, the need for instant run-off voting. http://instantrunoff.com/

I'm a big supporter of Tim Penny. I wonder if he'd consider it.

reply to this comment

Julia Schrenkler Sep 18, 2007, 9:15am EDT

The "...the BEST website in town..." and "...hottest thing going in politics." eh? Brodkorb comments regularly on Polinaut, and he was invited to attend our 2006 Election Night Policy and a Pint event. Wow, Gary, and to think it probably isn't even your birthday! ;-)

Lynn, I'm sorry to hear that you're underwhelmed - hopefully that isn't the general feeling around the 3rd. It is one of those changes where we can't always register the impact until someone new is in the seat.

Interesting development indeed, Tim, and you're in good company. From Polinaut:

Carleton College political science prof Steven Schier tackles the Ramstad retirement in a conversation with All Things Considered host Tom Crann.

He sees it now as one of the top 10 or top 20 House races in the country now.

*tapping my teeth* Hmmm, off the top of your head, any names of Independents (maybe Susan's suggestion of Tim Penny?) that could gain the 3rd? I'll hang up and listen.

reply to this comment

Susan Budig Sep 18, 2007, 10:25am EDT

Of course, Mr. Penny would have to move his household....

Um, I'd better think of someone else.

reply to this comment

Julia Schrenkler Sep 18, 2007, 10:28am EDT

No worries, Susan - and hey, maybe Penny would. This is a gem of a district and a high-profile race. It is hard to imagine a politician who wouldn't turn the idea over in their mind... even for a moment.

reply to this comment

Julia Schrenkler Sep 18, 2007, 10:39am EDT

Ah, I'm late with this update! From Midmorning 09/18/07

Ramstad's retirement means a battle for the 3rd District

Longtime Minnesota Rep. Jim Ramstad's retirement means Republicans and Democrats will be gearing up for a battle to win the open seat in Minnesota's 3rd District.

Guests
*Larry Jacobs: Professor of political science at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.
*David Wasserman: U.S. House editor for the Cook Political Report.
*Matthew Continetti: Associate editor at the Weekly Standard, and author of "The K Street Gang: The Rise and Fall of the Republican Machine"

Listen live (I'm finally listening now) or check back for the audio archive...

reply to this comment

Gary Fischbach Sep 18, 2007, 12:33pm EDT

Julia, my birthday was Sept 10.

reply to this comment

Julia Schrenkler Sep 18, 2007, 1:15pm EDT

Well there you go, don't say I didn't give you anything ;-)

reply to this comment

Diana Raabe Sep 22, 2007, 9:54am EDT

Mr. Brodkorb is quite opinionated and his is not a website I regard nearly as highly as Gary does. However, I did check out his list. He's missing a few possible contenders (like Steve Kelley) and also misses the mark where Buck Humphrey is considered. I highly doubt Mr. Humphrey will be seen as a serious candidate.

reply to this comment

Political speculation and discussion: Rep. Jim Ramstad

Comments: 15

Join the Conversation

You might also like

More by Julia Schrenkler