Schier on Ramstad

Posted at 3:58 PM on September 17, 2007 by Bob Collins (1 Comments)

(Photo by Tom Scheck)

Carleton College political science prof Steven Schier tackles the Ramstad retirement in a conversation (this one is unedited) with All Things Considered host Tom Crann. (Listen in RealAudio)

He sees it now as one of the top 10 or top 20 House races in the country now.

Ramstad's announcement, GOP Chair Ron Carey's assessment of the situation, and other audio is available on the story page.

By the way, Ramstad's timing is in sharp contrast to the last Minnesota congressional member to retire. As Schier notes, Ramstad has given his party plenty of time to find a replacement. Former Rep. Martin Sabo gave DFLers only about 6 weeks (before the DFL endorsing convention).

Comments (1)

I first would like to thank congressman Ramstad for his steadfast commitment to mental health issues and championing Wellstone's hopes for mental health parody bill.

Although he did a good job serving both liberals and conservatives I am glad to see an open race in the 3rd.
Please god, let the democrats choose a good candidate to represent EVERYONES' interests and also a winnable candidate. The DFL needs to run a candidate with both charisma and vision for the future, they also need to be able to connect with voters and non voters alike.

The open race in the 3rd will undoubtedly be a thorn in the side of Norm Coleman, because as a republican listed as very vulnerable he needs a longtime trusted GOP candidate to bring in votes. Candidates not only stump for themselves but also for other members of the party. Ramstad has done this and done it well, helping elect the likes of, Tim Pawlenty, Norm Coleman and in both the 2000 and 2004 elections securing the third as a GOP stronghold. With his absence Coleman will have to do more campaigning for himself and not rely on the skills and reputation of the 17 year Congressman.

Let us all thank Congressman Ramstad for his service to the state and country.

Posted by David Gilbert-Pederson | September 18, 2007 9:50 AM

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