Paul Ryan as VP-perhaps the best decision Romney made

It is electrifying—the Tea Party folks acclaimed as Republican nominee Mitt Romney announced the choice of Congressman from Wisconsin, Paul Ryan as his running mate—we have a close election seemed the obvious reaction.

First the anticipated debate between Vice President Joe Biden and Paul Ryan would be a thing of beauty—both are able orators and we are in for a good show. Second, this is very similar to George W. Bush picking Dick Cheney as VP—strategist under-study boosting a leader considered more dormant. Third, Tea Party would claim a seat at the table.

Democrats and liberals went into attack mode within minutes talking of “Ryan as the man who would end Medicare, if not Western Civilization, as we know it”.

Ryan- a Washington insider

Ryan spent his whole adult career as a Washington lawmaker and is generally seen as a young, fresh face outside mainstream politics – not at all like those other members of Congress held as a group in very low public regard. If you Google the word “Ryan” you might get more than three 3 million results.

His main strength is that he caries himself well and is considered a workaholic with an entrenched conservative agenda. Romney who has been talking about the long-term challenges facing America would have an ally which is hard to beat.

Former USA Senator and presidential candidate Rick Santorum’s comment was that: "In addition to Congressman Ryan's stellar fiscal conservative positions, he is indeed a full-spectrum conservative. He is solidly pro-life, pro-family, and will be an advocate for our military and our national security priorities.”

Political baggage

Ryan also brings some political baggage especially his comments regarding ending Medicare as we know it. Ryan’s opposition to Obama’s healthcare plan may also cut both ways. Conservative Party now stands firmly behind the anti-abortion and anti gay stance. Ryan is committed to end the buttressing of the abortion industry with American’s hard-earned tax dollars.

Fox News boss Rupert Murdoch said: “Thank God! Now we might have a real election on the great issues of the day. Paul Ryan almost perfect choice”.

Ryan’s stature as the GOP’s go-to budget guy might become a rallying cry for Democrats and they’ll point to paralysis on Capitol Hill – a place Ryan has spent his entire professional life – as an obvious sling against him.

Others point out that Ryan has shown some glimmers of bipartisanship. He has worked with Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon on a more moderate long-term budget pathway. Wyden has come under fire from some Democrats for working with Ryan.

Wisconsin view

Paul Davis Ryan (born January 29, 1970) is the U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 1st congressional district, serving since 1999, and Wisconsin folks know him for his views on economic policy and proposed changes to Medicare. He was born and raised in Janesville, Wisconsin; Ryan earned a B.A. degree in economics and political science from Miami University in Ohio. He was an ardent follower of late Jack Kemp who was known for his Supply-side Economics.

Ryan currently chairs the House Budget Committee, where he has played a prominent role in drafting and promoting the Republican Party's long-term budget proposals. As an alternative to the 2012 budget proposal of President Obama, Ryan introduced a plan, The Path to Prosperity, in April 2011 which included significant changes to Medicare.

He then helped introduce the similar The Path to Prosperity: A Blueprint for American Renewal in March 2012, in response to Obama's 2013 budget. Ryan is one of the three co-founders of the Young Guns Program, an electoral recruitment and campaign effort by House Republicans .

Wisconsin has 10 Electoral College Votes--In 2008 Obama won that state and is leading in the polls now.

- Asian Tribune -