Jim Ramstad considering run for governor

[dflprincess]

This is not good news - the local media will keep calling him "moderate" (like they do in this article) and the public will be fooled. This will be especially true if it's a three way race - and Ramstad could even be the independent.

http://wcco.com/politics/jim.ramstad.minn.2.1060986.html

Ramstad Is Toying With Run For Minn. Governor ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)

Former Republican Rep. Jim Ramstad said Friday he's 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.

Ramstad retired from Congress in January after 18 years. He said he's weighing whether he wants "to give up a relatively normal life that I've reclaimed to get back into the fray."

Ramstad affirmed his status as a Republican, despite speculation he is being courted to run as an independent. He called himself a
"progressive Republican" :puke: in the mold of Elmer Andersen, Al Quie and Arne Carlson, three prior Republican governors.

[Bjorn Against]

1. Of all the Republicans in the state he is probably the most dangerous

Ramstad may not be the worst Republican ideologically but that is not saying much, he is still a Republican snake oil salesman and he is a really good snake oil salesman. He is able to sell his crap to people all across the political spectrum, and he is the only Republican right now who would be really tough to beat in a statewide general election.

[mascarax]

2. You're right - not good

Yes, he's been wily enough to keep that "moderate" tag when we know he is not.
These guys never go away. He probably doesn't care for lobbying, so here he is again to try to add more "moderate misery" in MN.
And the DFL absolutely would need a very strong candidate. A major concern.

[glinda]

3. I miss Arne oddly enough now.....