My Sympathies to Senator Ranum

2006 Elections, MN Senate The Red Star carries more details about Senator Ranum not seeking re-election. The article states her reason is to return to work as a full-time Hennepin County attorney, however if you read further you will see that her husband has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. This is truly sad news for the Ranum family and I want to extend my deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers as they start down the difficult path that a family faces with this horrendous disease.

State Sen. Jane Ranum, a five-term Minneapolis DFLer, announced Tuesday that she will not seek reelection and will return to work as a full-time assistant Hennepin County attorney. In a letter to supporters and friends, Ranum, 58, said she was making her announcement to allow those interested in succeeding her time to declare before the March 7 precinct caucuses. Her solidly DFL district includes a part of south Minneapolis, Richfield and Bloomington. In addition, her husband, Jim, has been diagnosed with a degenerative brain disease similar to Alzheimer's, and he requires professional caregiving.

On a more trivial matter, it appears the Red Star agrees that I truly am living a red life in a district of blue. UPDATE: I felt Ed's comment was worth moving to the post, instead of being buried in the comments.

I am so sorry to hear about Senator Ranum's husband and the difficulties he is having with illness. I know what it is like to live with and care for a loved one and I wish her well and God's grace as she copes with this illness. I was looking forward to a stimulating campaign with Senator Ranum, but I think we all realize that there are times when our own goals seem trivial when compared to the needs of others. I am confident that the Senator will prove to be an asset to the Hennepin County Attorney's office and a blessing to her husband and family. Godspeed Senator Ed Field 01.25.06 - 11:33 am