By Mike Kaszuba

Former Minnesota Congressman Jim Ramstad endorsed Republican state Attorney General candidate Chris Barden on Monday, saying Barden was "one of the most qualified candidates to ever run for Attorney General."

Saying he had known Barden for more than a decade, Ramstad said Barden was a good choice to end the long run of DFLers who have served as state attorney general. "After 40 years of continuous control by one political party, it's time for new leadership," said Ramstad, a Republican.

Barden is challenging state Attorney General, and DFL incumbent, Lori Swanson.