Loophole left open for Ramstad's return

WASHINGTON - Minnesota Republican Jim Ramstad, who has faced pressure from GOP leaders to put off his planned retirement, left the door open Wednesday to the possibility that he might seek reelection.

Responding to Washington press reports that he is reconsidering his decision to retire next year, an aide suggested that Ramstad wants to ensure Congress passes his signature mental health parity legislation first. "Jim has no plans to run for reelection," aide Dean Peterson said in a statement. "But he does want to see his ... legislation become law before he leaves Congress."

Ramstad has steadfastly declined interview requests about his plans, which have been the subject of speculation since September, when he announced that he would retire at the end of his ninth term in 2008. Wednesday's statement, which did not flatly rule out the rumored change of heart, is likely to fuel more discussion.

Maybe a possibility?

Until Wednesday, Ramstad's only public pronouncement on the matter had been that he has "no plans" to seek reelection.

But the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call, citing Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., reported Wednesday that Ramstad is reconsidering his decision not to seek reelection.

Kennedy has been Ramstad's co-sponsor on his long-sought mental health parity legislation, and the two are personally close. Kennedy did not respond to a Star Tribune request for comment.

Four Republican sources close to the situation have told the Star Tribune in the past week that Ramstad is actively considering a reelection bid. Cash-strapped Republican leaders, they say, have encouraged Ramstad to stay in the race, which could otherwise be thrown open to a competitive and expensive campaign to keep the seat in the Republican column.

Among those who have talked to Ramstad is House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio. Reached for comment Wednesday, Boehner told the Star Tribune "he's a great member, a dear friend, and we'd love to have him back."

Race would change

Ramstad, a moderate, has been vaunted for his ability to work across the aisle. He has worked closely with Kennedy and other Democrats to shepherd through the House the latest incarnation of the mental health bill, named for late Minnesota Sen. Paul Wellstone.

Some version of the mental health parity act has been stalled in the halls of Congress for a decade. The bill would update a more limited 1996 law to put those with mental illnesses or addictive disorders on equal footing as those with physical maladies in terms of insurance benefits.

Ramstad is reluctant to leave office without assurance that the bill, which again has stalled, will survive, Kennedy is quoted as saying in Roll Call.

A bigger role

Another incentive for Ramstad to stay would be a leadership position on the powerful Ways and Means Committee, on which Ramstad is a senior member. Rep. Jim McCrery, R-La., the current ranking member, announced this month that he would not seek reelection in 2008.

"Jim Ramstad has been an exemplary public servant and it's no surprise people want to see him continue his public service," said Mark Drake, a spokesman for the Minnesota Republican Party. "Looking to 2008, we are confident that the Third Congressional District will continue to be represented by a Republican."

A protégé's embrace

A decision to renege on his retirement could have serious implications for next year's Third District election. State Rep. Erik Paulsen, the main Republican contender, has been raising money and campaigning, assuming the seat would be open.

Said Paulsen: "I would not even be running for Congress if it weren't for the fact that my friend and mentor and former boss had announced his retirement. I'm assuming he's going to retire. He's told me to move ahead and move ahead strong."

But if Ramstad does run again, Paulsen said, he would bow out.

"If he does run again, I will be the first person to wholly support and embrace him, in a nanosecond."

Kevin Diaz • 202-408-2753 • kdiaz@startribune.com Nina Petersen-Perlman • 202-408-2723