How did Jim Ramstad get a reputation as a moderate?

Did he ever cast a vote which indicated moderation?

He's a recovering alcoholic himself, and has advocated for more $$ on treatment, and also for more spending on mental health issues.

Also, he's been more of a social moderate in the past-- although that could be changing, too....

He took a hard turn to the right after the 2002 election.
I believe he is referred to as a moderate because he is prochoice.

I didn't know he was pro-choice.

I remember him present at the memorial at the U.

and I believe they worked together on the rehab bill. During the bruhaha after the memorial, Ramstad did publically say that people should just drop it.

It was after 2002 that he really drank the Kool-Aid. Prior to that there were occassional rumors that he might switch parties. Maybe they got to him...His district is secure enough that he wouldn't have tote the Bushco line to get reelected.

Trent Lott was also present at memorial.

...and at least a couple of other environmental groups...
he hates no child left behind, calling a huge power grab and unfunded mandate by the fed govt.
a recovering alcoholic, he has worked to increase funding for treatment center etc. He worked with Paul Wellstone on a number of issues, including funding for a south suburban domestic abuse center and on requiring insurors to treat mental illness like any other illness.
He considered Wellstone a good friend and was genuinely grief-stricken when Paul died. IN fact, Ramstad made public statements telling his GOP colleagues and the radio windbags to lay off after the memorial service at the U. of M.

HOWEVER, on most economic issues, such as social security 'reform' he sides with Bush..go figure.

The newsletter is folded - on the back side is this picture with the headline "Ramstad Named "Hero of the Taxpayer"



The caption reads:

Rep. Jim Ramstad was recently honored by Americans for Tax Reform with its annual Hero of the Taxpayer award for his "strong tax-cutting and fiscally responsible voting record."

"These key votes in Congress were the most critical for taxpayers," said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, pictured here with Ramstad. "Jim Ramstad is squarely on the side of taxpayers, and Americans for Tax Reform offers its thands and congratulations."

The newsletter also lists his upcoming Spring 2005 Town Meetings:

Monday March 28th
Coon Rapids
City Hall Council Chambers
11155 NW Robinson Drive
Noon - 1 pm

Monday March 28th
Plymouth
Plymouth Creek Center
Plymouth Room
14800 34th Avenue North
7 - 8 pm

Tuesday March 29th
Brooklyn Center
City Hall Council Chambers
6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy
Noon - 1 pm

Tuesday March 29th
Eden Prairie
City Hall Council Chambers
8080 Mitchell Road
7 - 8 pm

He was a moderate but once he was re-elected he took a step right. Its a shame he was a good man.