| Multiple sources are telling Eric Black and myself of a Capitol Hill rumor that 3rd-district Congressman Jim Ramstad is strongly reconsidering his decision to retire.
The rumor reached us mid-week: according to one source, the recent retirement of Jim McCrery (R-LA) caused Ramstad to question his own decision. McCrery is currently the ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and Ramstad is fourth. Apparently, the two Republicans ahead of Ramstad on the seniority totem pole are seen as minor roadblocks to Ramstad's ascension, especially if the position of ranking member is dangled as a carrot to entice him out of retirement.
Ramstad's seat is currently seen as one of the most competitive open seat races in the nation. An unretirement would call that status into question, as well as an endorsement from Ramstad's predecessor, Bill Frenzel, to the campaign of Erik Paulsen, widely seen as a Ramstad protege. |
