Minnesota Republican Jim Ramstad, whose retirement came as a surprise to most in Washington, may be considering another term, Roll Call and the Minnesota Campaign Report write. GOP leaders had reportedly leaned on the moderate Ramstad to stay for another term instead of opening up his swing district, on the outskirts of the Twin Cities, to a possible Democratic takeover.

NRCC chairman Tom Cole told Roll Call he thinks Ramstad is reconsidering his decision, a sentiment echoed by Democratic Rep. Patrick Kennedy, one of Ramstad's close friends on Capitol Hill. His backtrack, some speculated, could be thanks to Rep. Jim McCrery's own retirement.

Ramstad is the number four Republican on the powerful House Ways & Means Committee, while McCrery is the ranking Republican, giving Ramstad the opportunity to run for the top slot if he stays, or at the least advance in seniority. But, sources told Roll Call, Ramstad was rethinking his retirement well in advance of McCrery's decision. Ramstad cited the bill, dealing with mental health and addiction treatment parity, in his retirement statement, dedicating it to the late Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone.

Kennedy suggested another reason might be Ramstad's dedication to a mental health bill. If Democrats pass the measure, Ramstad may be willing to step aside, putting the seat in play. Both parties have highly-touted recruits already running for Ramstad's seat. Democratic State Senator Terri Bonoff and Republican State Representative Erik Paulsen have each raised significant amounts of money and spent time on the campaign trail in advance of Minnesota's September primary.

Calls to Ramstad's office seeking comment were not returned.

The Third District, which rings Minneapolis on three sides, includes Hennepin County suburbs from Lake Minnetonka to the Mall of America in Bloomington. Ramstad's moderate record -- he ranks near the middle of the House -- matches the district, which gave President Bush narrow 51% and 50% majorities in 2004 and 2000, respectively. Ramstad is popular in the area, and has never faced a serious challenge, winning with at least 64% in every one of his nine campaigns.