Ramstad opens the door 'a crack' on run for governor
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
Former Republican Congressman Jim Ramstad is leaving open the possibility of running for governor in 2010 -- even though he slammed the door on that option a few months ago.
Ramstad said on MPR's Midday program today that there's still a chance he may run for governor.
"Quite frankly, it has been very humbling. I have just been inundated with letters, e-mails, calls to reconsider," said Ramstad. "So I told some good friends and supporters the other day that maybe the door is open just a crack."
Ramstad, who's a political moderate, said one reason he's reconsidering a run for governor is because there aren't any moderates in the race. He added that he'll take his time before making a decision.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
"This dog-and-pony show that they have going right now, with all nine Republicans and 10 Democrats going around the state -- people are sick and tired of politics. They don't want year-round campaigning. I'm just going to keep my dander dry and see what happens," he said.
He says he'll continue to listen to supporters before making a decision, but added that there's still a 99 percent chance he won't run.
But he also said it's possible he could run as an independent or in a Republican primary. Ramstad served in Congress for 18 years, and did not seek re-election last November.
Nearly two dozen DFLers and Republicans are either already running, or are considering a run for governor. Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty is not seeking a third term.
