Statement about running for governor: Former Republican Congressman Jim Ramstad issued a statement July 14 saying he would not be a candidate. He had been considering a possible run for governor and had held "brainstorming" meetings. He had said he needed to weigh whether he wants to give up a relatively normal life to get back into politics.

In his July 14 statement, he did not give a reason for his decision but did say:

“I’m humbled by the tremendous outpouring of support from people across party lines but I have decided not to become a candidate. Although I do plan to continue in public service, it won’t be as governor. I hope whoever is elected governor will bring people together and work in a bipartisan way to address the serious problems facing the state.”

Party: GOP

Current government position: Former 3rd District congressman; was prominently mentioned as potential director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy in President Obama's administration

Term: Served in Congress from 1990-2009

Occupation: Attorney; resident fellow at the Harvard Institute of Politics, where he has led a study group on "The Policy and Politics of Addiction"

Birth date: May 6, 1946

Home: Wayzata

Education: B.A., University of Minnesota; J.D., George Washington University

Website: Ramstad.org

E-mail: info@ramstad.org

Key issues and priorities: Widely viewed as one of the most effective moderate Republicans and often engaged in bipartisan legislation and governing initiatives. An acknowledged recovering alcoholic, he was one of the leaders of the 12-year effort for national mental-health parity legislation known as the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Parity Act.

Political experience: Served on the influential House Ways and Means Committee; member of the Republican Main Street Partnership.

Background articles:

Wikipedia

On the Issues