Jim Ramstad to make major announcement

[dflprincess]

http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_260133158.html
(AP) Minnetonka, Minn. Longtime Minnesota congressman Jim Ramstad says he'll make a major announcement about his future plans this afternoon.

The Republican lawmaker is a moderate who often crosses party lines. He represents Minnesota's 3rd District. He has served in Congress for 17 years -- since 1990.

Ramstad is meeting with reporters at 3 p.m. in Minnetonka

[Demrock6]

1. This is huge

If we can find a good DFL'er to run it will move into a top pick-up chance nation wide.

[Minnesota Raindog]

2. Bob Olson was in the 3rd CD--until he carpetbagged into the 6th

Olson lived in Orono but moved up near St. Cloud when he decided to drop his lagging Senate run and try for the 6th CD seat instead. Had he stayed put intead of carpetbagging, he'd be the frontrunner DFLer for Ramstad's seat now.

[dodger501]

3. Link from the Strib

http://www.startribune.com/587/story/1428038.html

So, who do we got in that district, western suburbs, right?
Any chance for a pick-up?

[ButterflyBlood]

4. Basically everwhere in Hennepin county except the immediate Minneapolis area

Definitely winnable, especially if the GOP nominates a far right winger. This isn't MN-06, Michele Bachmann wouldn't play here.

[jean]

5. Wendy Wilde (former Air America MN radio host) took Ramstad on last time - remember "Elect Mom?"

excerpt from her post-election comments:

" ... we built a challenge that was creative and vibrant enough to prod the comfortable incumbent into actively campaigning in the last few weeks before the election, something not seen for many years in the 3rd CD.

Although our opponent out-spent us 20 to one, we set the best numbers for a midterm election DFL challenge in our district in 16 years! ... "

http://www.wildeforcongress.com/

[question everything]

6. I am in the 3rd district and she barely made a dent

first, there were three DFLers in the primary - I did not know anything about any of them; not a single piece of mail.

And then, yes, there were several "Elect Mom" yard signs but one really had to know who she was. In general, not a single yard sign in Plymouth said DFL, except, perhaps Klobuchar and Hatch.

We need a serious candidate who does not have a gimmick, but who can offer a serious, wide range platform.

[dflprincess]

7. She got 35% of the vote

which is what Deborah Watts got in 2004. That's about the best I can recall any DFLer doing in the 3rd against either Ramstad or his predecessor (Bill Frenzel).

The problem in the 3rd tends to be that both the state and national party tend to write it off this time we may have a shot.

[indigo32]

8. I would think we would

it'll be interesting to see who runs

[ButterflyBlood]

9. They won't this time when it's open

With an incumbent it's seen as a lost cause. And I can't blame the national party for opting to ignore the third to spend money instead in the 1st and 6th.

[Avidor]

10. Analysis Video: Which Party Can Win Ramstad’s Seat in 2008?

The UpTake’s Mike McIntee:

http://theuptake.org/?p=224

[jean]

11. I saw three "Elect Mom" items during the campaign. Two bumper stickers and a billboard,

toward the end of the race, located on 494 between 55 and 394. She was not a viable threat to Ramstad.

My neighborhood in the 3rd district is overwhelmed with repubs, as is my voting place.

I think this time there's a good chance for the right candidate.