• Republican Jim Ramstad has been the Representative for Minnesota's third district since 1990. Prior to joining the House, Ramstad was a member of the Minnesota State Senate for ten years.Project Vote Smart: Representative James M. 'Jim' Ramstad (MN) In September of 2007, Ramstad announced that he would not be running for reelection in 2008 and would be retiring from Congress.Official Site: Ramstad.org Following the 2008 election, Ramstad, a longtime proponent of mental health and drug addiction treatment, was rumored to be one of President Barack Obama's possible choices to lead the Office of National Drug Control Policy.StarTribune.com: Ramstad in mix to be Obama's 'drug czar' (November 18, 2008)

• Fast Facts

  1. Full name: James Marvin Ramstad
  2. Born: May 6, 1946
  3. Spouse: Kathryn
  4. Attended George Washington University and the University of Minnesota
  5. Served three terms in the Minnesota State Senate
  6. Served nine terms in the House of Representatives
  7. An advocate for mental health and drug treatmentStarTribune.com: Ramstad in mix to be Obama's 'drug czar' (November 18, 2008)

• Drug Czar?

  In November of 2008, Ramstad was touted as one of President Barack Obama's potential choices to be head of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, or "drug czar".StarTribune.com: Ramstad in mix to be Obama's 'drug czar' (November 18, 2008) However, shortly thereafter, several groups raised opposition to the possibility that Ramstad be appointed to the position. Over 40 health care related groups sent letters to Obama's offices expressing their opposition to Ramstad's possible appointment. Reasons cited included Ramstad's opposition to needle exchange programs and votes against the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes.Politically Connected: Health groups wary of Ramstad for 'drug czar' (December 3, 2008) It was later revealed that Ramstad sponsored $235,000 in earmarks for Minnesota Teen Challenge, a group which supports faith-based rehabilitation, opposes the use of medication for recovering drug addicts and uses what some have called abusive techniques in its rehabilitation programs.Huffington Post: Obama Drug Czar Pick Tied to Abusive Christian... (December 9, 2008)

• Related Pages on Mahalo

  U.S. House of Representatives | Obama Administration | Obama Cabinet | Minnesota | Republican Party | George Washington University | University of Minnesota | Drug Addiction | Barack Obama | John Falconetti

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