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‘A Truly Inspired Choice’: Rumored GOP Contenders React to Ryan VP Pick

Aug. 11, 2012 11:17am Madeleine Morgenstern

Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) reacted Saturday to Mitt Romney's selection of Paul Ryan as his running mate. (AP Photos)

Several of the once-rumored contenders to be Mitt Romney’s running mate are reacting to the news that the former Massachusetts governor has selected Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan.

Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), one of the much-buzzed-about possibilities, said in a statement he and his wife wish Ryan and his family “the very best” and that he is looking forward to helping carry the Romney-Ryan ticket to victory.

“Jane and I wish Paul and Janna and their kids the very best. As the Chairman of the Romney campaign in Ohio, I look forward to working with Paul to ensure that the Romney-Ryan ticket carries Ohio and is victorious in November,” Portman said in a written statement, according to Politico. “Most importantly, as a member of the Senate, I look forward to working closely with a Romney-Ryan Administration to restore fiscal sanity and enact pro-growth policies to create jobs.”

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), another finalist, called the Ryan pick “a truly inspired choice.”

“Throughout his life, Mitt Romney has made great decisions, and choosing Paul Ryan as his running mate is a truly inspired choice,” Rubio said in a statement, according to the Sunshine State News. “I got to know Paul during my Senate campaign when he endorsed me early on when I was still considered a long shot. Paul Ryan is a courageous reformer who understands our nation’s challenges, has proposed bold policy solutions to solve them, and has shown the courage to stand up to President Obama and other Washington politicians trying to tear him down.”

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Ryan’s selection makes the ticket a formidable economic team.

“With Paul Ryan on the ticket this is a team that understands the economic stagnation our country has been facing the last four years and the urgency with which we need to change course. The Romney-Ryan team is uniquely positioned to make the tough choices necessary to confront our fiscal challenges and get results.”

Not reacting yet to the Ryan announcement, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty confirmed to NBC News Friday night he would not be on the GOP ticket but said he was “not disappointed.”

“I didn’t enter this thinking I was going to be the vice presidential candidate, so I’m not disappointed,” Pawlenty said of his time campaigning for Romney since endorsing him after dropping his own bid last year. “And I’m excited about his candidacy, and I’m excited about having him be the next president.”

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Comments (98)

jman-6
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:32pm
There was no way the GOP would allow Romney to choose a senator for VP. The control of the senate is way more important than a veep pick. I am very conservative but understand that in the liberal states there is no way you can get a hard right conservative elected as much as I would like it to happen. Sometimes I think we conservatives forget that. Now if we all vote and mobilize others we can win this. Romney/Ryan 2012

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wboehmer
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:28pm
President Øbama HATES Paul Ryan! Why? Because Ryan uses FACTS to criticize Øbama’s nonsense.

For me, that’s reason enough to pick him for vice president.

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Individualism
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:21pm
one of the ex governors clearly but we still always refer to them as governor even if there not working in that office right now.

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southernORcobra
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:17pm
He is a Paulbot ignore him.

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TommyGuns
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:15pm
I am seriously looking forward to the Vice Presidential debate. They should make it a pay per view show! Paul Ryan brings essential things to the ticket. He’s young – only 42 – and it’s about time that we begin to turn the reins of government over to his generation. He knows the budget inside out. He knows where the waste and inefficiency is, and is not afraid to speak out about it and offer ways to change the status quo. He’s a pragmatist as opposed to an ideologue, and always ready, willing and able to talk to the other party to seek out common ground. Lately, the Democrat definition of being bi-partisan is to do it their way or you’re an obstructionist. Watch for more of the game playing that they did during the Bush years, and which the Republicans have been doing as well these past three years. It’s always been about winning elections for both parties as opposed to doing the right thing.

Paul Ryan and Marco Rubio were my choices for the Presidency. I didn’t get either at the top of the ticket, but I’ll settle for having Congressman Ryan become Vice President Ryan as a start to getting our country back on track. Just add in a few more Tea Party members in both chambers of Congress and I’ll be a happy camper.

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- A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 1:31pm
  Just like how the 2011 Federal Budget Compromise only cut projected spending, resulting in an increase in spending, the Paul Ryan budget proposal results in an increase in spending, as well.
  
  The Republicans never learn their lesson.
  
  Ron Paul: Paul Ryan’s budget doesn’t cut anything of substance – Cavuto, Fox Business
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHTEF3T31Tg
  
  Ron Paul 2012!
  
  Report this comment
- GoodStuff
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 7:44pm
  @A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
  
  Now you’re just posting the same thing over and over again. Talk about lazy.
  
  Report this comment
Look4DBigPicture
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:13pm
By strong federal government … I meant top-down control.

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Look4DBigPicture
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:11pm
@ Individualism

You just answered your own question. Those governors need to continue proving conservatism works in their states. Our country was never supposed to have a strong federal government, so why rip good people away from states where the real power is supposed to reside?

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MODEL82A1
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:11pm
INDI, do you know what state Paul Ryan is from, how the economy is doing there or who the Governor is? Didn’t think so. Now go cut Ron Paul’s grass.

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www.TopTheNews.com
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:08pm
They better be pretty sure about their chances in Florida without Rubio on the ticket…He is a pretty dynamic leader in the party.

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- MODEL82A1
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:13pm
  Florida is in the bag. Rick Scott’s success will see to that.
  
  Report this comment
- PATTY HENRY
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:16pm
  There is time for RUBIO. HE will be President of the US one day in the future! He’s amazing and he will be able to help ROMNEY/RYAN in Florida. It’s really easy: Are people going to vote for WORDS or DEEDS? All anyone running against Obama should have it easy because of his absolutely rotten performance… all the thug-Chicago-lies aside, just ask people: ARE YOU VOTING FOR WORDS or DEEDS? Obama is a thug.
  
  Report this comment
Individualism
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:02pm
try one of the governors of the states where the economy is doing well or is really picking up and Rand Paul despite lack of experience would have been able to reach across the isle.

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Look4DBigPicture
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 11:58am
Seriously? … Can you not just simply enjoy the moment without immediately shoving criticism down our throats? Who exactly do you think Romney should have picked instead?

I love Rand Paul, and agree big cuts need to be made. However, making ginormous cuts immediately will send us into a downward out-of-control tailspin. Ryan is a financial genius … he’ll do well for the country.

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watersRpeople
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 11:55am
You people think you can play this game don’t you? You think you’re real smart – you’re just smart – but you’re not real smart. You might be good quarter backs, and receivers, but Hollywood, and the universities created the ball-field, and the yard-lines.

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- watersRpeople
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:11pm
  But you just keep on keeping it in your mind that a ball-field is just a 100 yard confined space.
  
  Report this comment
- watersRpeople
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:14pm
  The people on the left are just useful tools like people on the left. You don’t understand the movement of the oceans. For instance: when earthquakes hit in the Mid-East what do you think they are thinking? They are thinking they aren’t doing enough to smack down Israel and the U.S, and Allah is shaking them up. That’s what they are thinking.
  
  Report this comment
- MeteoricLimbo
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:20pm
  @watersRpeople
  
  Your brilliance is only exceeded by your total lack of common sense.
  
  Report this comment
- watersRpeople
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:28pm
  MeteoricLimbo,
  Really? There sure is a lot of nakedness going on….don’t you think? Even with Randy Travis buying cigarettes naked. Why do you think that is? You people are on my land!
  
  Report this comment
- watersRpeople
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:55pm
  You see, Randy Travis got drunk and danced naked for the Lord just like David used to.
  
  Report this comment
- amtsoundsmith
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 1:27pm
  Has your prescription run out?
  
  Report this comment
grayling646
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 11:53am
What? Only a dozen stories on this site. Must be early. I bet TV coverage is nonstop and will be for a week. Thank God I stopped watching TV.

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- MODEL82A1
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:06pm
  GRAY, You’re right, this isn’t an important bit of news at all. You need to focus on what Katie Holmes thinks of Angelia Jolie, or something important like that.
  
  Report this comment
G.E.R
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 11:53am
Ryan is a last-minute measure to energize the election and it doesn’t count for much.

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- MODEL82A1
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:01pm
  GER, Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt, pal.
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:28pm
  G.E.R.
  
  I look a the chart & I see for all the spending that Obama has done squat for the nation as a whole.
  
  http://www.gallup.com/poll/125639/Gallup-Daily-Workforce.aspx
  
  2 & 1/2 years of flat line.
  
  If the DEMONCAT Congress of 2008 to 2009 had done anything positive, we should see the lagging indicator of it in the 2010 (at least in the 1st half). NADA. ZIP. ZERO. ZILCH
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:38pm
  More 2008 Obama Voters Than McCain Voters Switching Sides
  
  http://www.gallup.com/poll/156446/2008-Obama-Voters-McCain-Voters-Switching-Sides.aspx
  
  Report this comment
Zombee
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 11:45am
A very bold and great choice for Mitt Romney. The TEA Party should be pleased with Romney’s conservative pick. The Tea Party should now be able to unify and support the Romney Ticket.
For the last 3-1/2 years the Obama Regime has brought us more debt, doubt and despair. Its time for real solutions and real leadership.

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watersRpeople
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 11:42am
Hey good choice for VP, when was the last time we had a VP with a hawk beak?

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- Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:01pm
  Long enough that I don’t honestly know.
  
  Report this comment
- 82dAirborne
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:15pm
  Some short memories around here. Do you recall Dick Cheney?
  
  Report this comment
Notorrius
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 11:37am
I am GRANNY and ROMMEY RYAN can drive me to FEEDOM AND PROSPERITY anytime. No more HOPE AND CHANGE……Now the HOPE is OBAMA is OUT and the CHANGE is ROMMEY RYAN are in. Just gotta say YIPPPIEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

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Detroit paperboy
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 11:36am
He chose a conservative, and I’m cool with this ticket,NOW PLEASE UNITE AND VOTE THESE MARXIST ASSCLOWNS OUT………

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MODEL82A1
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 11:36am
Thank God we’re not reading Paul Ryan’s reaction to the choice of Portman as VP in this article! Mitt got this one right. Big Time.

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- soybomb315_II
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:17pm
  dodged a bullet. And Pawlenty would have surely signaled a second Obama term
  
  Now, Romney lives to fight another day
  
  Report this comment
watersRpeople
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 11:34am
Why do stars fall down from the sky, every time he walks by? Unlike me they long to be close to you.

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Detroit paperboy
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 11:34am
To a democrat , balancing the budget, living within your means and not bankrupting our children , IS RADICAL AND EXTREME……

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- Tankertony
  Posted on August 12, 2012 at 3:35am
  Exactly, thats why this is going to be so much fun.
  
  Report this comment
CatB
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 11:29am
All class acts. ;-)

RRrrr 2012!

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- travlman77
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:12pm
  I like that, may I use that on a Bumper Sticker?
  
  RRrrr 2012
  
  Report this comment
- Tigress1
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:20pm
  I want one too!
  
  RRrrr 2012!
  
  Report this comment
The_Jerk
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 11:29am
Should have taken Rubio.

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- V-MindMeld
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:00pm
  Hey I like Rubio very much too,,,,,but am ok with Ryan and so is Rubio. He is still young and will have his day down the road,,who knows maybe Ryan/Rubio ticket perhaps? they are very much alike
  
  Report this comment
- MODEL82A1
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:02pm
  Obama should lose Biden and take Ron Paul.
  
  Report this comment
- iblvingd
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:04pm
  Romney has a lot of cabinet positions to fill and there are a lot of good people out there to fill them Like Rubio.
  
  Report this comment
- Look4DBigPicture
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:07pm
  Rubio is such a strong voice a reason and would have also been an excellent choice. However, the Senate couldn’t afford to lose him. He’s pretty young, but don’t you like the sound of Marco Rubio – Senate Majority Leader?
  
  Report this comment
- Garys1n2
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 1:25pm
  Actually, not taking Rubio is a good choice (and I’m from Florida), because we don’t need to lose any conservative seats in the Senate. Taking Ryan sends signals to the country that Romney is serious about getting the economy going again, and getting the US fiscal house in order. Maybe now we’ll get a budget…..one can HOPE for a CHANGE for the better than what we have now!
  
  Report this comment
- txdave22
  Posted on August 13, 2012 at 3:50pm
  likely ryan/rubio in 2016
  
  they will lose again, as pubs going the way of the whigs, proved again
  and again incompetent at governing, losing the aging base
  
  younger people are for roe (the women use it enough), for gay rights, for
  rich paying their share, and see the pubs for what they are: INCOMPETENTS, take shrub, please.
  
  reagan/bush: 3 recessions, stock mkt crash, savings loan scandal, iran contra scandal, ron’s senior aides going to jail, and worst——–all the dead marines in Lebanon, then reagan tucks tail and runs
  
  gw bush: iraq, and all the American dead and wounded there, deficits and huge increase in debt, financial crisis, didn’t speak english well, drunk driver—and you want more pubs?
  
  Report this comment
JustPeachy
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 11:27am
Time for us to unite now and stop any remaining “in-fighting.” IMO.

I plan now to donate to Romney’s campaign. I like Paul Ryan! :-)

(And neither of these two were my first pick–not even second. . but this is now how it is. Time to unite. . defeat the Liar-in-Chief!)

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- justangry
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:39pm
  Ryan is much farther to the right than I expected Romney to go, and a pleasant surprise for sure. As for stopping the infighting, well how about I just hold my cynical tongue for a day and let you all have a good day and we discuss civil liberties tomorrow?
  
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- txdave22
  Posted on August 13, 2012 at 4:41pm
  Various statistical measures of Mr. Ryan peg him as being quite conservative. Based on his Congressional voting record, for instance, the statistical system DW-Nominate evaluates him as being roughly as conservative as Representative Michele Bachmann, the controversial congresswoman of Minnesota.
  
  By this measure, in fact, which rates members of the House and Senate throughout different time periods on a common ideology scale, Mr. Ryan is the most conservative Republican member of Congress to be picked for the vice presidential slot since at least 1900.
  
  Report this comment
JUSTANOTHEROPINION
Posted on August 11, 2012 at 11:24am
“AMERICAS COMEBACK TEAM”, love it. Romney/Ryan 2012!!!!!!!!! Will lead the Country, with, by and according to our great Constitution!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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- CatB
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 11:30am
  The three R’s … Romney
  Ryan
  Republican
  
  RRrrr 2012!
  
  Report this comment

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