EXHIBIT 10.5

            Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm" in the Statement of Additional Information
and to the use of our report dated February 27, 2008 with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of RiverSource Life Insurance Company and to
the use of our report dated April 24, 2008 with respect to the financial
statements of RiverSource Variable Annuity Account included in Post-Effective
Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement (Form N-4, No. 333-139762) for the
registration of the Wells Fargo Advantage(R) Builder Select Variable Annuity
offered by RiverSource Life Insurance Company.


                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                        ----------------------------------------

Minneapolis, Minnesota
April 24, 2008