Republic party is starting to panic over all the retirements

Jim Ramstad is being begged by national party leaders to reenter the race, as they fear a major blow out in ‘08

Political observers note that while Ramstad's third congressional district in the Twin Cities' western suburbs has historically leaned Republican, a Ramstad decision to postpone his retirement could save the cash-strapped GOP campaign committee as much as $1 million to defend the seat, a factor that could be huge in a tough presidential election year.

"With Jim Ramstad out of the race, it will be a competitive district, and probably a seven-figure race on each side," said former Minnesota Congressman Vin Weber, a prominent GOP strategist and lobbyist in Washington. "With Jim in it, it's a put-down hand for the Republicans."

These guys amaze me, they spend the last 12 years marginalizing a quality moderate like Ramstad and when he finally says “enough is enough” they start begging him to stay…..they are in a world of hurt in ‘08