After 17 years, time for musing and memories

Article by: Kevin Diaz , Star Tribune
Updated: September 22, 2007 - 10:36 PM

Rep. Jim Ramstad, first elected to Congress in 1990, says he "never intended to be a lifer." The GOP moderate has represented Minnesota's Third District, which covers the Twin Cities' western suburbs.

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WASHINGTON -- Republican Rep. Jim Ramstad, who last week announced his retirement from Congress at the end of his term, recently shared his thoughts on his career and retirement with the Star Tribune.

The reaction

"It's been overwhelming. So many people from over the years, calling, e-mailing, writing. I'm so grateful."

Second thoughts?

"I don't look back."

How has Congress changed?

"It's much more partisan and much more polarized. Congress reflects the electorate. The body politic, as we've seen in the last few elections, is very closely divided. "

Any changes for the better?

"I think ethics reforms have made governing more transparent."

Most memorable moment

"Standing on the steps of the Capitol on Sept. 11 [2001] with my House and Senate colleagues, singing 'God Bless America.' That's something I'll never forget."

Early years

"I remember my first week like it was yesterday. My very first vote as a member of Congress was on the Persian Gulf War. ... I was being briefed [daily] either at the White House or the Pentagon, by Colin Powell [then chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff] and Dick Cheney [then secretary of defense]. I was just overwhelmed. But we were brought up to speed on the intel, so when the vote came, we were prepared."

Regret (qualified) support for the Iraq war?

"Based on the intelligence at the time, that was the right decision. But of course hindsight is always 20/20. Knowing what we know now, that there weren't weapons of mass destruction, it never would have come up for a vote."

'Career politician' at age 61?

"I never intended to be a lifer. I wanted to leave while I was still young enough to do other things."

Burned out on politics?

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