Paul Ryan says his background will help Romney

Republican Presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (L) and U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) hold bags of food at a Culver's restaurant on April 1, 2012 in Johnson Creek, Wisc. / Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

(CBS News) NORFOLK, Va. - Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, the newly appointed running mate for presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney, on Saturday stressed that his background in Congress will work to Romney's benefit.

"I believe my record of getting things done in Congress will be a very helpful complement to Governor Romney's executive and private sector success outside Washington. I have worked closely with Republicans as well as Democrats to advance an agenda of economic growth, fiscal discipline, and job creation," Ryan will tell the audience of more than 1,000 who came to see the announcement of his selection, according to advanced remarks released by the campaign.

Ryan, who was announced as Romney's running mate Saturday morning, is best known for his work as the chairman of the House Budget Committee, where he authored a controversial budget that makes steep cuts to taxes, spending and entitlements. Though the budget passed the House in 2011 with the backing of 235 of the chamber's 239 Republicans, every single Democratic opposed it. His budget already has played a dominant role in several House special-election races, most notably a contest in which Democrat Kathy Hochul scored a stunning upset in New York's GOP-dominated 26th District.

The 42-year-old congressman also sought to portray himself as a politician who represents a broad cross-section of America. He urged supporters not to accept weak economic growth, blaming President Obama for failed policies.

"I represent a part of America that includes inner cities, rural areas, suburbs and factory towns. Over the years I have seen and heard from a lot from families, from those running small businesses, and from people who are in need. But what I have heard lately troubles me the most. There is something different in their voice and in their words. What I hear from them are diminished dreams, lowered expectations, uncertain futures," Ryan will say. "I hear some people say that this is just 'the new normal.' High unemployment, declining incomes and crushing debt is not a new normal. It's the result of misguided policies."

He will describe Romney as the leader with the necessary skills, background and character needed to fix the economy.

The selection of Ryan came despite considerable speculation that Romney would select Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, a veteran of George W. Bush's White House. Portman issued a statement calling Ryan's selection "a great choice. He is an accomplished public servant and a leading voice on the most pressing issues facing our country."

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Romney's VP choice: Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis.

[erasmus111]

"Paul Ryan says his background will help Romney"

He won't be the one running the country. It will still be that bully, Romney. The "vice president" is basically useless. Unless Romney has to step down for some reason, you'll still be screwed.

[baileycccc]

Ryan is a "pipe dream". What happen in New York with Democrat Kathy Hochul soundly defeating the gop candidate in a republican section will happen to most gop house members in November. It's over for the failed party.

[omnibus66]

How is voting no on everything getting things done?

[sweetcakesmaria]

Tax cheats usually end up in the clinker. It's only a matter of time before the steel doors slam shut on Mittsey.

[baileycccc]

If Romney tax records get out, It's Over.

[mountainstates1]

Amazing. I think Romney must take lessons on how to alienate the middle class. Rommey's campaign is faultering for lack of connection with middle class America. So what does Willard do? He picks a running mate who wants to end social secuirty, get rid of medicare, and stop the middle class mortgage tax break for homeowners. Good job, Mittens!!

[sweetcakesmaria]

He's to busy protecting the billions of the 1% to even think about the interest of the middle class.

[sjc_1]

Ryan has voted to repeal health care 31 times, I would not call that getting something done.

[ForestWalk]

So Paul Ryan is going top be the VP nominee. Now we have a full book of Republican Leadership that has chosen NOT TO SRERVE in the US Military. The Republican Leadership have all made the same choice - let others volunteer. They were too busy building a career or skiing - or something else more important to bother to serve their country. Did Romney chose to serve - NO. Rush Limbaugh - NO. Cantor - NO. Paul Ryan - NO. Donald Trump - NO. Carl Rove - NO. Chaney - NO. Hannity - NO. Mitch McConnell - YES. John Boehner - YES. (Thanks Mitch and John - I bet you men feel lonely when you all go to lunch). They all wrap themselves in the flag - but they are not willing to serve it. They are glad to serve the military profiteers - not the military.

[CaptainSmollett]

Did Obama? NO!
Yet you ignore the colossal defense cuts proposed or threatened by the DEMS that would result in an unpresedented hit to defense spending and cost over a million defense jobs. You hypocrit! Obama is trying to dismantle the military to pay for his welfare state.

[retiredgustav]

Difference between Mittens and President Obama is when Mittens was of age there was a draft and he chose to go to France to avoid it. As for defense spending lets just bring it down to 2001 level adjusted for inflation. That would save us about $300 billion a year.

[stupa5]

With Ryan as VP pick, Romney goes for a "dud"

[B_Erhart]

"Silkie & Smoothie" ~ this duo will give you:

Another mideast war w Iran FOR israel

Give PAID FOR Social Security Trust Funds to banksters

Increase extortion of the 99% tax receipts to the mil ind complex to keep the protection 'racket flush'

TeaKlan geriatric fundo cuckoos are stabbing their OWN behinds

[nohater]

romney just drove the senior voters to obama. ryan is anti-senior citizens what with his plan to gut medicare for want of a better description of his plan. obama has the lgbt vote, the hispanic vote, the black vote, and now probably the senior citizen vote. not a fan of obama/biden but ryan is frightening just as palin was in 2008. palin was a conservative darling but obama/biden still defeated mccain/palin with a humiliating landslide. thinking the same will happen to romney/ryan, thanks to ryan.