DFL Party Statement on Ramstad Retirement

09/17/2007

St. Paul, MN -- Minnesota DFL Chair Brian Melendez released the following statement in response to Representative Jim Ramstad’s announcement today that he will not seek reelection to Congress from Minnesota’s Third Congressional District:

“Representative Jim Ramstad has been an important voice for the Third Congressional District and the entire state of Minnesota in Washington throughout his nine terms in Congress.

“In an era of increasingly divisive politics, Congressman Ramstad has consistently worked across the aisle to get things done for Minnesota. As DFLers, we appreciated his personal friendship with the late Senator Paul Wellstone and Sheila Wellstone. In addition, all Minnesotans can be grateful for Representative Ramstad’s relentless advocacy with regard to alcoholism and addiction issues and his tireless work for mental-health parity. In these fields, he leaves an important legacy.

“The Minnesota DFL Party thanks Representative Ramstad for his hard work and dedication on behalf of Minnesota.”