Ryan expected to endorse Romney

(AP) WASHINGTON - The House Budget Committee chairman, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, is expected to endorse Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney.

Two Republican officials tell The Associated Press that Ryan's endorsement could come as soon as Friday, when Romney is scheduled to give an economic speech in Appleton, Wis. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

Wisconsin's Republican primary is Tuesday.

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Ryan is the author of tlkehe House Republican budget that proposes to slash federal spending and shrink government. While the plan is doomed in the Democratic-controlled Senate, it sets out the GOP's fiscal policy. Romney has endorsed it.

Ryan has downplayed speculation that he could be picked as the Republican vice presidential candidate, but he has said he would consider the offer if asked.