Paulsen won a three-way race for Minnesota 's Third Congressional District in November 2008 . His U.S. House candidacy was announced after the incumbent , Jim Ramstad ( a Republican ) , announced his retirement in 2007 , which gave an opportunity for both major parties to field candidates . Shortly after he announced his retirement , Ramstad endorsed Paulsen and served as the chairman of Paulsen 's Steering Committee . Paulsen was a speaker at the 2008 Republican National Convention in Saint Paul , Minnesota
2008 Republican National Convention
2008 Republican National Convention
Erik Paulsen