Rep. Jim Ramstad (R) said Wednesday that he plans to clear his head over the holidays and make a decision about whether he will ultimately follow through with his plans to retire in 2008.

In a brief interview just off the House floor, Ramstad lamented that Congress had not been able to pass the mental health parity bill that he has championed with Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) and indicated he would not be satisfied in leaving if the legislation did not get done.

On the other hand, he said, he has not raised money for his re-election race and that fact would make it difficult for him to re-enter the contest.

Democrats have high hopes of picking up Ramstad’s suburban Minneapolis 3rd district seat if he follows through with his retirement.

— Lauren W. Whittington