Romney Chooses Ryan for Republican Ticket


Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney (right) introduces his vice presidential running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan (left).

Republican nominee for president Mitt Romney selected Representative Paul Ryan as his running mate for the November election. The 42-year-old congressman from Wisconsin has been a favorite of conservatives for his proposals to limit the size and growth of the federal government. As chair of the House Budget Committee, Ryan introduced a package of budget proposals called the “Path to Prosperity” in 2011, outlining large decreases in government spending, tax reductions for all income levels, repeal of President Obama’s healthcare legislation, and a major overhaul of Medicare. The choice of Ryan solidifies support for the Republican ticket among conservatives, but it surprised some observers who say Romney passed over several “safer bets.” The Obama reelection campaign quickly directed criticism at Ryan’s budget proposals.

Initial polls showed public response to Romney’s VP choice was among the least positive, historically speaking, but Republicans were largely pleased. Ryan’s speech at the Republican National Convention on August 29 was well received by the faithful. He emphasized his readiness to tackle tough issues and provide leadership alongside former governor Romney, saying, “We won’t blame others; we will take responsibility. And we won’t replace our founding principles; we will reapply them.” Ryan’s policy expertise and youth—he’s the same age as Romney’s oldest son—are considered his strengths.

Paul Ryan, a fifth-generation Wisconsinite, lives still in the town where he went to high school, Janesville. The first vice presidential (or presidential) candidate to have been born in the 1970s, he is also probably the first such candidate to know what Rage Against the Machine! is—and to actually like their music. He is the first member of the House of Representatives in almost 30 years to be on a major-party presidential ticket.

Image Credit: © Steven Senne/AP Images

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11 Comments

  1. gorg says:

    Rommeny sucks

  2. jesse james says:

    yup i was there

  3. who cares says:

    I’d rather vote for a mormon than a moron

  4. jashon says:

    all a about obama

  5. i say: says:

    go romney

  6. John says:

    Ewwww.

  7. Andres says:

    Don’t underestimate the power of reiligon and money, both of which Mitt possesses. I hope your right too, the GOP needs some substance restored to the party. It’s a shadow of its former self full of slogans and short on actions. A return to the basics is in order. Smaller, less intrusive government. Fiscal responsibility and the securing of our borders to show that republicans are indeed strong on national defense. Get out of the reiligon end and people’s bedrooms and back to basics.

  8. Michaell says:

    Obama is a moron!! I dont know why anyone would vote for him. Obamacare sucks and is a scam.

  9. seja says:

    GO OBAMA!!!!!!! #TEAM OBAMA/BIDEN

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  10. grace says:

    idc