ramstad062709
On the homepage
Scanners
Out There
Gas lines
Club Outdoors
Home | Politically Connected | State Politics
Ramstad is considering a run for governor
The ex-GOP congressman says he has been in sessions to brainstorm about a race, but he isn't ready to decide.
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on DiggMore from State Politics
Former Republican Rep. Jim Ramstad said Friday that he has attended brainstorming sessions about a possible run for Minnesota governor, although he's not ready to jump into the wide-open race.
Ramstad, a prolific fundraiser with a moderate reputation, won't give a timetable for making a decision and indicated an announcement either way wouldn't come soon.
"It's way too early. People need a rest. People need a breather," he said in comments to reporters after addressing a League of Minnesota Cities conference in St. Paul.
Ramstad retired from Congress in January after 18 years. He said he is weighing whether he wants "to give up a relatively normal life that I've reclaimed to get back into the fray."
Both the DFL and Republican parties expect fierce competition for their respective nominations. Incumbent GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced this month that he won't seek a third term.
Ramstad affirmed his status as a Republican, despite speculation that he is being courted to run as an independent.
He called himself a "progressive Republican" in the mold of Elmer Andersen, Al Quie and Arne Carlson, three prior GOP governors.
In his speech to the League of Minnesota Cities, he accused both parties of worrying more about their political bases than making sound policy.
"Too many times policy-makers are taking their eye off the ball in Washington and St. Paul, the ball being bipartisanship and working together for the common good," he said.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Recent State Politics stories
Unallotment appeal put on legal fast track - June 26, 2009
Unallotment appeal put on legal fast track - Gov. Tim Pawlenty's lawyers got a judge's green light, and funding was restored to a state nutrition program. More
- Bill helps consumers against debt buyers
- Senate passes $1 billion bonding bill
- Pawlenty defends budget cuts
- $78.5M to stop carp invasion
- Pawlenty: Keep sex offenders in prison
- Pawlenty hints at stadium solution
- Pawlenty's final deer opener in Little Falls
- MN GOP candidate pushes horse-lover license plates
- Teachers union buys air time to urge funding
- Hacker targets McCollum's website
Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
StarTribune.com: Steals + Deals & Classifieds
Learn how to do it right.
Simplify your job search by learning the best way to approach networking, resumes, cover letters, and interviewing.
Tips for getting more for less
Subscribe to the weekly
Win tickets to see Minneapolis New Breed featuring Lamb Lays with Lion, Mad King Thomas and SuperGroup at The Southern Theater.Vita.mn presents an opening-night performance from Minneapolis New Breed featuring Lamb Lays with Lion, Mad King Thomas and SuperGroup at The Southern Theater on the Feb. 25. |
Comment on this story | Read all 115 comments | Hide reader comments