From the Deck of the USS Wisconsin: “America’s Comeback Team”

Norfolk, VA … After months of speculation, Mitt Romney announces that Congressman Paul Ryan (WI) will be his running mate in his campaign for the White House.

In front of an enthusiastic, flag-waving crowd, Romney introduced his pick from the deck of the U.S.S. Wisconsin, a tip of the hat to Ryan’s home state:

“It’s great to be back in Virginia and here in Norfolk. Your city’s beauty is only matched by its proud heritage as a defender of freedom. Today we take another step forward in helping restore the promise of America. As we move forward in this campaign and on to help lead the nation to better days, it is an honor to announce my running mate and the next vice president of the United States: Paul Ryan. 

“Paul Ryan is a leader. 

“His leadership begins with character and values. And Paul is a man of tremendous character, shaped in large part by his early  Gov. Romney and Rep. Ryan (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)life. 

“Paul is in public life for all the right reasons – not to advance his personal ambitions but to advance the ideals of freedom and justice; and to increase opportunity and prosperity to people of every class and faith, every age and ethnic background. A faithful Catholic, Paul believes in the worth and dignity of every human life. 

“With energy and vision, Paul Ryan has become an intellectual leader of the Republican Party. He understands the fiscal challenges facing America: our exploding deficits and crushing debt – and the fiscal catastrophe that awaits us if we don’t change course. (Source: MittRomney.com) 

The audience roared their approval with chants of “Mitt, Mitt, Mitt” as Rep. Ryan walked to the podium. In the enthusiasm of the moment, Governor Romney then introduced Ryan as “our next president.” With good humor, he added, “Every now and then I’m known to make a mistake - but I did not make a mistake with this guy.”

Acknowledging the honor and his family, Rep. Ryan began his remarks with a nod to his mid-western roots:

“I am surrounded by the people I love, and I have been asked by Governor Romney to serve the country I love. 

“Janesville, Wis. is where I was born and raised, and I never really left it. It’s our home now. 

“For the last 14 years, I have proudly represented Wisconsin in Congress. There, I have focused on solving the problems that confront our country, and turning ideas into action; and action into solutions. 

“I am committed, in heart and mind, to putting that experience to work in a Romney Administration. This is a crucial moment in the life of our nation; and it is absolutely vital that we select the right man to lead America back to prosperity and greatness. That man is standing next to me. His name is Mitt Romney. And he will be the next president of the United States.” (Source: MittRomney.com) 

Rep. Ryan, 42, now serving his seventh term representing Wisconsin’s 1^st Congressional District, is well-known within political circles as the Chairman of the House Budget Committee and the senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax policy, Social Security, health care and trade laws. 

As the author of the Path to Prosperity: A Blueprint for American Renewal last year, Rep. Ryan offered an alternative to Mr. Obama’s 2013 budget proposal. The Path to Prosperity seeks to nurture job creation, stop profligate government spending and provide a way to lift the country out of debt. Ryan’s plan endeavors to place the budget on a balanced path and the economy on the path to prosperity. 

On April 4, Mr. Obama, during a luncheon speech for news editors, singled out Congressman Paul Ryan's (R-Wis.) budget proposal and accused Ryan and candidate Governor Mitt Romney of “social Darwinism” that “imposes a radical vision” on America.

The Congressman responded boldly to Mr. Obama’s accusations:

"The president's attacks on our budget are as disappointing, as revealing as his attacks on the Supreme Court. It seems that he takes anyone questioning his vision of limitless government as a personal affront and he's lashing out. That's hardly the kind of leadership we were expecting when he ran for office," Rep. Ryan responded.

What else do we know about Governor Romney’s vice presidential nominee? Below is a brief list of his positions on issues:

 Pledged his opposition to SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act):

"The internet is one of the most magnificent expressions of freedom and free enterprise in history. It should stay that way. While H.R. 3261, the Stop Online Piracy Act, attempts to address legitimate problems, I believe it creates the precedent and possibility for undue regulation, censorship and legal abuse. I do not support H.R. 3261 in its current form and will oppose the legislation should it come before the full House."

2002, Ryan cast his vote in favor of the Iraq War resolution, authorizing President George W. Bush to use military force in Iraq.

2003, he voted in favor of the Medicare Part D prescription drug expansion.

2008, Ryan voted for the Troubled Asset Relief Program – the Wall Street bailout that hastened the advent of the Tea Party movement – and bailouts of General Motors and Chrysler.

2011, Ryan delivered the Republican response to the State of the Union address.

On March 30, 2012, Rep. Ryan formally endorsed Governor Mitt Romney for President:

“We need to coalesce as conservatives around Mitt Romney. The longer we drag it out the harder it is to win in November. ... I am convinced that Mitt Romney has the skills, the tenacity, the principles, the courage and the integrity to put America back on track."

Rep. Paul Ryan is a graduate of Joseph A. Craig High School in Janesville. He graduated with a degree in economics and political science from Miami University in Ohio.

Ryan and his wife Janna live in Janesville, Wisconsin with their children: daughter Liza and sons Charlie and Sam. The youngest of four children, Paul is the son of Paul Sr. (deceased) and Betty Ryan. He is a member of St. John Vianney’s Parish.

Governor Romney and Representative Ryan, "America's Comeback Team," kick off a four-day bus tour to crucial battleground states: Virginia, North Carolina, Florida and Ohio.