Ramstad: retiring Patrick Kennedy will be missed
Former Minnesota congressman Jim Ramstad says the retirement of Patrick Kennedy from Congress is a loss for people suffering from mental illness and addiction.
U.S. Rep. Kennedy, a Democrat from Rhode Island, says he will not seek re-election this year. Kennedy championed legislation in 2008 to require insurance companies to treat mental health on an equal basis with physical illnesses.
Ramstad, a Republican who retired from Congress in 2006, says his work with Kennedy on the legislation was the highlight of his political career.
The son of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy has been in and out of treatment for substance abuse since a 2006 car crash. He has been open about his struggles. Ramstad was Kennedy's AA sponsor.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.