With supporters packing the space in Scenic Heights Elementary school in Minnetonka, Erik Paulsen (R-42B, Eden Prairie) announced his candidacy for the Third District Congressional seat on Sunday.

Speaking about current Third District Republican Congressman Jim Ramstad and former Third District Congressman Bill Frenzel, Paulsen noted that both were guided by the “same common sense values that I carry with me.”

During Ramstad’s first term in Congress, Paulsen was his state director. Ramstad has announced his plan to retire from the Third District seat at the end of his term this year. So far, Paulsen is the only Republican to enter the race (See related story on this page for more on his DFL opponents.).

During his announcement, Paulsen said he will continue the fight for Ramstad’s mental health parity legislation, if necessary.

“If elected, I will not only do my part in Congress,” he said “I will work to reacquaint my own party with the principles of fiscal discipline,” he said.

Paulsen has represented Eden Prairie at the State Legislature since 1995. Most recently, Paulsen has taken an interest in global issues, establishing funding for an India Center at the University of Minnesota and for state Department of Education to put together a Mandarin Chinese curriculum.

During his kickoff event, Paulsen said Congress needs a new generation of leaders “who think globally and are prepared to address issues outside of our borders.”

Paulsen greets a supporter.