WASHINGTON – Rep. Jim Ramstad will not seek a tenth term, said two state Republican Party officials.
The officials spoke on the condition that they not be identified so as not to pre-empt Ramstad's announcement. Ramstad's office had scheduled a news conference for 3 p.m. in Minnetonka.
Ramstad, a recovering alcoholic, has focused much of his energy on addiction and alcohol issues. He has pushed for years for legislation that would require equal health insurance coverage for mental and physical illnesses, when policies include both.
Ramstad was first elected in 1990 and represents the 3rd Congressional District, which includes the western suburbs of Minneapolis.
In the House, Ramstad, R-Minn., has carved out a moderate record. His voting record has been relatively liberal on social issues such as abortion, and more conservative on fiscal issues. He has opposed oil drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.