By Rachel E. Stassen-Berger
Former Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad said today he's not planning, not working towards and not betting on running for governor in 2010.
"I really have no plans whatsoever to run for governor," he said. "I've done absolutely nothing to become a candidate or even form an form an exploratory committee. Let me put it this way, if I were a betting person I'd say it's the longest of long shots that I would ever run for governor."
He said he's gotten lots of encouragement to change his mind.
"I had said the door's open just a crack because I really have been overwhelmed by good people from both parties, as well as independents, urging me to run. But I believe some other moderate Republican will step forward to the run. I truly hope that's the case."
And who might that Republican be?
"I don't know. I really don't," he said.
