Ryan 2012? Rep’s Office Tries to Quell Rumor He Could Still Enter Race
- Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:11pm by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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Rick Perry isn’t the only politician making waves this week. GOP superstar Paul Ryan, who oversees the House Budget Committee, is causing quite a stir, too. Not for anything controversial he’s said, but because there’s now a report that he could enter the 2012 presidential race. A report his office is trying to downplay.
According to The Weekly Standard, Ryan has been meeting in private to discuss the idea of entering the fray:
Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan is strongly considering a run for president. Ryan, who has been quietly meeting with political strategists to discuss a bid over the past three months, is on vacation in Colorado discussing a prospective run with his family. Ryan’s concerns about the effects of a presidential campaign – and perhaps a presidency – on his family have been his primary focus as he thinks through his political future.
“He’s coming around,” says a Republican source close to Ryan, who has been urging the 41-year-old to run.
“With Paul, it’s more about obligation than opportunity,” says another Wisconsin Republican. “He is determined to have the 2012 election be about the big things. If that means he has to run, he’s open to it.”
The theory gained steam when Ryan appeared on local radio with conservative talk show host Charlie Sykes. When asked if he was pleased with the GOP field and if the current candidates can articulate the big issues, Ryan responded: “We’ll see. I didn’t see it last night. I haven’t seen it to date. We’ll see. People’s campaigns evolve – they get better. So we’ll see.”
Ryan’s office, however, worked hard on Tuesday to squash the rumors.
“While grateful for the continued support and encouragement, Chairman Ryan has not changed his mind,” Ryan spokesman Kevin Seifert told National Journal.
But Ryan‘s isn’t the only name being thrown around. Last night, Karl Rove speculated that Chris Christie — who has fended off rumors for almost a year about running — could consider getting in the race, too. Rove described a recent dinner that supporters had with Christie and an exchange that took place after that could have Christie reconsidering (at about 2:00 minutes below):



















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Comments (78)
half pint
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:30pmIf Paul Ryan runs he will get my vote over any of the others out there-hell I may put a sign in my yard even
Report Post »Blackop
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:33pmA Libertarian could never be elected. Too extreme for most people.
Report Post »The Voice of Libertarian Reason
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:52pmCan you explain how is a libertarian extreme?
Report Post »2centsworth
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:36pmI’d take a Libertarian (apparently you think libertarian is “code” for one who actually has a plan?) over an arrogant socialist nanny-stater any day.
Report Post »Rightallalong
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:45pmDidn’t Paul Ryan vote for the last debt bill that included the Super Congress? You guys remember the vote to take away the power from Congress and give it to a committee? The same deal that raises the federal debt by 7 trillion and everyone says how it it cuts the debt but in reality only cuts the GROWTH in the debt. Are you people really that clueless? Its sad to see all of you so called conservatives so brain-washed that you think a slow down in the increase of debt is a debt cut. And that you believe its a good thing to take power away from Congress and give it to the equivalent of a Supreame Soviet style ruling committee… go back to sleep Sheeple!!!!
Report Post »Clive
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 3:19pmsarah, paul, chris… please get off your a$$ and do something. while you guys sit around toying with us, obamas financial election war chest grows and grows. This “hem haw” stuff isn’t cute anymore. they need to declare, get out there, and start raising some dough, because no matter what you think, money wins these elections.
Report Post »biggreenboo
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 3:20pmI saw “race” in the story title and figured “No Race is better” would be the first poster.
Report Post »nothingbuthetruth
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 4:19pmHis pick for prez was RINO Mitch Daniels. He said it on a fox interview. If you admire a Rino doesnt that make you a RINO?????
Report Post »lillymckim
Posted on August 17, 2011 at 7:11pmRyan/Rubio 2012!
Report Post »NObamunist
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:29pmThis is the guy. No one in the current field excites me like Paul Ryan. Please, please, please run Paul Ryan! This country needs you!
He is the man with all the ideas on how to correct this country’s economic position. He is the only one laying out a thorough and honest plan; not just talk, an actual plan. No one is going to be able to sell his plan better than he himself. I would absolutely love to see this man in a debate with the Obamunist.
Report Post »Rightallalong
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:51pmPaul Ryan voted for a 7 trillion increase in the debt and a super congress that reduces the constitutional authority of the Congress. And you think thats a good thing? Wow with a conservative like that we will last 10 years longer than with Obama before we go bankrupt and have a congress with no remaining power.
Report Post »Fortunate One
Posted on August 17, 2011 at 8:23amI like Paul Ryan, too and think he would do well in a debate against Obama. However, we have been making the case for Congressman Allen West to run for President for quite some time. He is the one person who can defeat Obama and his political thug machine soundly, and would absolutely destroy BHO in a debate. Even with the progressives‘ bag of dirty tricks and the media ignoring Obama’s failings and lies, West would win by a huge margin.
The race card will not work against Allen West. They will resort to name-calling, but that will not work either. It just shows West that he is getting to them and makes him even more determined to expose the liberals for what they really are and what their agenda is. He would be tough as nails against them and would speak from his heart; not from a teleprompter or relay rehearsed talking points.
The American people would have no doubt who is feeding them a line of bull and who is straightforward and speaking the truth. They would also see in an instant who should be the commander in chief of our country and who is the true leader. Allen West is the liberal’s worst nightmare, and they know it!
GO WEST!! West/Ryan in 2012
Report Post »Gabbie
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:27pmHe is our congressman and we think he is great, but he is just too nice of a guy to go up against the Obama smear team. They would take him apart like a chicken. I would not want to see that happen. Perry has the back to stand up to Obama and make it stick. He has my vote
Report Post »Sunnyr
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 6:42pmI’ll go with Perry too. I would love to see Paul Ryan as a VP so he can get some Executive Experience. Rick Perry has more than 20 years worth and can eat Obozo’s lunch.
Report Post »GymCy81
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:23pmimo,
the subtext is:
someone(s) are trying to push more conservatives to enter the race – to split the conservative votes (again) and thereby to indirectly provide a push, a lift to the pretend conservatives
(liberals / moderates in hiding via their latest rhetoric that ‘hope’ their incorrect actions can be overlooked).
Why do the establishment folks, the pundits avoid pushing for more liberals, with name recognition, entering the race?
…because they do not want to water down their favorites chances? [but they do not mind watering down some conservatives chances?]
imo, the pundits are playing the same ‘ol political football. It is silly, it is meant to confuse voters, and it is not good for America.
Its like the pundits want their 1 vote to count more than once – by (mis) persuading their listeners via, the medias‘ ’push’ polling efforts, and spin etc.)
Take a look at which candidates are spending the most $ to get their results, votes / $.
Take a look at the 2008 primary vote / spending results.
Also consider whom the media darlings were.
The underlying reason for a high vote / $ spent ratio could be that those candidates have actions that match, or exceed the rhetoric…and thereby, the message is resonating and is more genuine.
imo, the recent straw poll helped to begin to separate the wheat from the chaf.
Prior Actions can speak much louder, and clearer, than Words.
Report Post »( sans the media suppressing untarnished facts, and amplifying an
LinkedIn G
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:22pmI guess November 22 we’ll all know who the final pool of candidates are. I’ll vote for Ryan in a heartbeat. I’ll vote for Perry, Romney, or Bachmann. I just want to know what the final candidate list is.
Report Post »If Ryan’s in…he’ll get my vote over all candidates still in the hunt.
Mcdriver
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:34pmI can support Ryan. I think Romney is a progressive at heart and would be more of the same.
Report Post »I like Bachman, hope she has the staying power.
I believe we need to be careful, any of the choices that are career politicians could just keep the same programs and let us go right down the drain.
This is a frightening time to be living. Seems like we have no control over our destiny, all the decisions being made by a group that is not listening to their constituents.
SimpleTruths
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:21pmThis is great, continue tearing yourselves to shreds. So far there isn‘t one candidate that isn’t despised by a considerable faction of your own party. Obama wins.
Report Post »Gabbie
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:28pmObama is despised by over half the country, where have you been?
Report Post »LinkedIn G
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:09pmWhen the decision is between Obama…and even cat plays piano…Obama loses.
Report Post »mossbrain
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:20pmYou know politicians should never hold their thumb and forefinger a half inch apart for a gesture like in the above picture of Ryan. It insinuates that their penis is that size. If they’re going to make a size gesture, make it big idiots.
Report Post »Chappy123
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:42pmYa mean like the the udder guy
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:20pmOnly if another Republican takes his seat in the Senate. We will still be voting for Congress and Senate, as well as President. I am hoping we will retain Congress, take the Senate and the Presidency. Anyone, but Obama works for me right now, as long as that person is constitutionally conservative and strong enough to put the US back in front.
Report Post »Forced_Union_Worker
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:57pmMr Ryan is a Congressman, not a Senator. I also would vote for him.
Report Post »Dudley Do-Right
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:13pmI like Ryan but keep in mind Obama is planning to spend a billion dollars with a biased media…we need a ringer and I think Perry’s the guy who could beat Obama. Perhaps a Perry/Ryan ticket is just what we need!
Report Post »smartgirl
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:49pmDon’t get me wrong: I LOVE Paul Ryan, Allen West and Marco Rubio. But they’re all light on experience and, while any would be better than Obama just based on their conservative principles, I think we need a little experience in this time of crisis. I don’t rule out business experience: Cain knows how to solve problems and so does Trump but goal number one is to beat Obama and experience will count. The left wants us to choose Romney but, with 23% of the folks having a problem with Mormons, it’s a huge handicap. Right now, I’m for Perry. Heck, Reagan was a democrat and when Perry was a “southern democrat”, they were actually to the right of today’s Republicans. Also, converts are people who have thought it through and tend to be more avid than people who were always Republican. Just saying…
Report Post »major11
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:15pmYour comments are right on! That is why you are a “smartgirl”, right? Anyway, I would go with Perry now for the time being. We know the bomb throwers and liberal nazi’s will try and dig up any dirt on Perry to put him in a bad light. So, based on what we know right now he would be the preferred choice. I just hope that we have enough time left on our fiscal clock to avoid any further devastation to our economy and country. This is a crazy time, but I believe the will of the people will prevail!
Report Post »bandi9
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:16pmagree completely with your assessment smartgirl. all would be better than Obama, but lets get Perry, then have Ryan , West, and Rubio be heavy hitters in Congress for Perry’s term(s). then they all will be more than ready. i like this scenario.
Report Post »HUGGINGMYBABIES
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:53pmSorry if I beg to differ. Ryan’s had more than 10 years of experience as a Congressman. Yes governors tend to win these things (minus the HUGE error made with a junior novice in 2008) but I don’t think Perry’s the answer we need. Ryan’s no lightweight in winning elections as a Republican in a VERY Liberal district. He’s polished, quick on the reply and very intelligent. He’s not handicapped with a past littered with dead Liberal leanings as Perry is proving to be. His slate is clean, his message clear and simple, his tone is moderate without being Obama-condescending. He’s not a question dodger or a conflict avoider. He put out a message that was well thought out and our entire RINO DC stumbled to understand it and pushed it to the back burner. Instead they would have been well advised to unite behind it and call to arms a bigger base of fiscal REALISTS. Instead we have a pool of SO-SO’s who can’t really handle the tough questions. I’d be all over a Ryan/Rubio or even a Ryan/Bachmann ticket. But in all honesty…..none of them wows me and I feel another McCain moment in our future and it saddens me.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:47pmPaul Ryan submitted a legitimate plan that would have prevented the credit downgrade. He is the only one who has. I’ll support him 100% if he runs. He would make Obama look like the child he is in a debate.
Report Post »Vital
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:01pmGO Paul Ryan…..He IS our George Washington…economically speaking.
Report Post »TOMSERVO
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:43pmWOW, Paul Ryan is the next George Washington? Who knew?
Report Post »fatjack
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:47pmSlide over neighbor and I will buy you a beer.
Report Post »Healingapostle
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:46pmI’m hoping for some combo of Mr. Cain and Senator Santorum, Mr. Cain’s business sense with Sen. Santorum’s foreign policy would be a good candidate.
with what I know about Congressman Ryan I think I could get behind him, he articulates the conservative position really well, and he has shown some boldness being the first (and only so far as I know) politician to actually propose a budget with serious cuts. I’d have to see his foreign policy as well though, He has a nice sit down with S.E. Cupp in the “specials” sections if you are signed up for GBTV. He’s a true conservative and I think would make a good President
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:34pmI like Herman and even sent him money but, he can’t seem to keep his foot out of his mouth.
Report Post »Healingapostle
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:10pm@Gonzo you know what though, I would rather have a “real” person that might stick their foot in their mouth every now and again instead of these highly polished pretentious bastages that can look you in the eye and lie to you. I find Mr. Cain refreshing the least politician like, which I think could serve him well as his campaign moves along.
I also like that Mr. Cain is sticking to his common sense principles and running his campaign like a business and not spending money before it comes in like some other candidates (Pawlenty cough cough) if ever there was a temptation to pour a bunch of money you don’t have into something I would imagine it would be trying to finish higher in these polls to enable more fundraising as you are running for president
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:45pmHealingapostle
Report Post »I don’t disagree with you but, I just don’t think he has a shot anymore.
jdog777
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:45pmWest, Christie, Rubio, AND Ryan…. .PLEEZE get into this race!!!!
Report Post »Fortunate One
Posted on August 17, 2011 at 8:24amI agree! Those are the people we need in the race! We’ve been making the case for Congressman West to run for President for quite some time. He is the one person who can defeat Obama and his political machine soundly, and would absolutely destroy BHO in a debate. Even with the progressives‘ bag of dirty tricks and the media ignoring Obama’s failings and lies, West would win by a huge margin.
The race card will not work against Allen West. They will resort to name-calling, but that will not work either. It just shows West that he is getting to them and makes him even more determined to expose the liberals for what they really are and what their agenda is. He would be tough as nails against them and would speak from his heart; not from a teleprompter or relay rehearsed talking points.
The American people would have no doubt who is feeding them a line of bull and who is straightforward and speaking the truth. They would also see in an instant who should be the commander in chief of our country and who is the true leader. Allen West is the liberal’s worst nightmare, and they know it!
GO WEST!!
Report Post »HUGGINGMYBABIES
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:43pmMOVE OVER Chris Matthews! I just got a tingle all over my body! Now there’s the MAN for the job :D I think his consideration for his young kids makes him even more desirable. He’s level headed, smart as a whip and doesn’t have that accent that will remind folks of GWB. He never side steps a question (even if the asker doesn’t understand the technical answer) and he’s fast on his feet. Yes he‘s got more power where he’s at if we lose the WH….but oh man what a sweet world it would be if he was IN the WH!
Report Post »Fed up in Bama
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 4:53pmMy daughter will turned 18 before the elections next year and she’s been paying attention. During the debates the other night, I asked her who she thought would make the best President and she said, ‘Ummmm, none of them are connecting. I think that Paul Ryan should get in the race. Young ppl would really like him and he makes a lot of sense. I’d vote for him.” So maybe he should get in the race. I enjoy his cantor that he brings. I don’t see him backing down from Obama.
Report Post »DarkFire
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:36pmlets overview all the runners!
bachmann – will be done here soon, i am already getting burnt out on her, and she is soon to say somthing stupid.
perry – IS A LIBERAL, and wants amnesty for all his boarder jumpers.
paul – is a crackpot, his best friend is perot.
romney – can you say romeny care! RINO.
huntsmen – hello this A-Hole worked for obummer.
cain – they say once you go black you never go back, well, im black and i want the white guy back.
so yeah keep them comming out of the woodwork, i still say palin and trump, but that is my dream, i ask you what is yours.
more so then anything, get out there and vote in conservatives to the house and senate. the pres is one thing, we need good leaders in the house and senate too, and has anyone thought of how this would sound. Rubio and West 2012. just a thought.
Report Post »jrandolph1200
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:44pmWest/Rubio 2012 is a little better sounding but all in all, I totally agree. Although out of the list that we currently have, I think Bachmann is still the best choice that we have, and I don’t think that West is going to get involved this time around at all.
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:48pmPalin, no doubt.
What’s her downside? Liberals hate her? Again, then what’s her downside?
We’re screwed. We need another Reagan to kick ass and take names and also kick the American people in the ass and tell them to buckle down and get serious. I’m so tired of the deadbeats in this country not getting called out. Time to call the ball and get on with things.
Report Post »poozak
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:06pmLet’s overview all of the runners!
Report Post »Bachmann – will be done here soon, i am already getting burned-out on her, and she is soon to say something stupid. Perry – IS A LIBERAL, and wants amnesty for all his border jumpers. Paul – is a crackpot, his best friend is Perot. Romney – can you say Romney care! RINO. Huntsmen – hello this A-Hole worked for obummer. Cain – I say once you go black you never go back, well, I’m black and ignorant.
Blankfire, I can proof your posts if you’d like to appear less “unpolished” or unprepared.
MBA
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:32pmNot that Paul Ryan wouldn’t make an excellent president, he would. But I think Rick Perry is a good man for the GOP to back unilaterally at this point. We need Ryan where he is right now. He has plenty of time to run for president later after the politicians in congress are under control again. Everyone is ignoring the next Congress and senate elections for the presidential race–it is crucial that we all pay attention to what (and I do mean what) is running for the house and senate for the next election as well.
Report Post »fastfacts
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:31pmReports today according to http://www.americanparchment.com :
Report Post »* Paul Ryan is taking steps where he could enter the race, but still claims, not interested
* Allen West looking into Senate race, may run
* Rep. Conyers, been in his seat for 50 years, is out
* Two recalls from Wisconsin, both democrats may lose their seats
AubieKermit
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:31pmPlease run, Congressman Ryan!!! A Ryan/Rubio ticket and it is all over for the “Debt Man Walking”!
Report Post »zoro51
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:29pmiept wanna beas.. dont waste the vote its president perry NO ONE ELSE.. forget the romulan )mitromndey)
Report Post »n paul neither will win…
HUGGINGMYBABIES
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:50pmHuh?
Report Post »V-MAN MACE
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:26pmRick Perry, Chief of Staff for Al Gore’s campaign.
Disqualified!
Report Post »StrangernFiction
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:10pmIt’s amazing the number of conservatives that are glossing over this. At the tender age of 38, Perry was Algore’s Texas campaign chairman. Algore was in his 12th year in Congress and his lifetime ACU rating at the time was 16 (his average rating in the Senate — from ‘85 to ’88 — was 10). Harry Reid‘s and Claire McCaskill’s lifetime ratings are higher than this (18). Did Perry not know this?
Report Post »Sunnyr
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 6:48pmAs a Recovered Democrat who despises what the Progressive (read: Commie Socialists) have done to the old Democrat Party that my parents and grandparents supported for over 100 years, I am not the least bit concerned that Perry was once a Dem. So was Ronald Reagan. It proves he has a BRAIN!
Report Post »J.C. McGlynn
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:25pmRyan and Christie anyone?
Report Post »quicker
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:42pmDon`t know about Christie Heard he was for gun control and believed in gobal warming.And we have enough of these jokers all ready
Report Post »TOMSERVO
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:45pmYeah, no kidding about Christie. Turns out he considers multiple sides to complex issues and is now willing to simply walk the party line. Wouldn’t want that in our leaders.
Report Post »Sunnyr
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 6:50pmNo thanks on Christie. He will NEVER get my vote. He‘s a big fat BULLY and doesn’t even LOOK like a President. He needs to take off another 200 pounds and see a Shrink.
Report Post »V-MAN MACE
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:24pm“Dear Satan, ANYBODY but Ron Paul” campaign.
Well, his first name is Paul…
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:21pmAnd, Mr. Allen West (Lt. Col. Ret.)~~~~ talk about AMERICAN POWER back in OUR HOUSE~~~~ YES!
The absolute most important candidates are GOD’s chosen ones in order to save this country. Anyone else will not work if we want AMERICA to be AMERICA again. We’ve seen how that goes — straight down hill!
Report Post »squonk1pb
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:26pmAgreed. Well said.
Report Post »G man
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:18pmGood news.
Report Post »G man
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:20pmI would love to see Ryan debate Obama on the debt. They would need a shovel to scrap what is left of the big “O” off the stage floor.
Report Post »GymCy81
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:47pmThe unwritten subtext is:
Carl Rove says that for his favorite candidate to gain (in addition to spending a lot of $) and put some distance between the other candidates,
…then the consideration of more conservatives to enter the race would help split the conservative vote further (and by default, allow his faux conservative favorite to look better, than he really is).
ummm…whom do you think that Mr. Roves favorite is that he is indirectly trying to give a lift to?
my guess, Romney.
But mit, ala romney /obama care, is not my pick.
The pundits are interesting to listen to…so as to hear what they are not saying..and to see how they try to ‘push’ the polls.
Yet, actions (of candidates) can speak much louder that (pundits and candidates) words…. even though many in the media will try to (mis) characterize the information. Do you ever wonder why that is sadly the case, and why they are served up a tv microphone? It could partially be associated with unsaid $$$.
If you want to see which candidates messages and actions are genuinely resonating with the people, they try to monitor the $$$ spent vs. the vote results.
Take a look at the 2008 primary / caucus results:
Who were the candidates that spent the most, but got the least results per the $ spent?
Who spent the lessor amount, but got greater results?
Today, find and take a look at the current figures: $ spent vs. early straw poll results
Whom is really resonating the best, thus far ?
Report Post »fatjack
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 3:46pmGymCy81
Carl Rove is a puking RINO. I turn channels when he on.
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:15pmYes, he should run and Sarah – the more the better the debates will be. Seriously – this is great!!!
Report Post »http://wp.me/pYLB7-1pE