Edmund Rice began his career in law, eventually practicing in Kalamazoo and transitioning to public service roles. He held various positions, including clerk of the Minnesota Supreme Court's third circuit and commissioner of Ramsey County. Rice also served in the military and held leadership roles in the railroad industry. His political career included terms in both the Minnesota State Senate and the Minnesota House of Representatives, as well as serving as mayor of St. Paul.

Edmund Rice's political career is marked by a strategic blend of economic development and public service, underpinned by his leadership in the railroad industry and multiple public offices. His advocacy for railroad expansion, coupled with speculative land investments, reveals a calculated approach to economic growth. Rice's tenure in various public roles, from clerk of the Minnesota Supreme Court to mayor of St. Paul, showcases a deeply rooted commitment to governance. His rhetorical style likely emphasized regional economic benefits and public service, masking an underlying tension between personal financial gain and public duty.