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)
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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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