Republicans at Romney/Ryan Rally Thrilled Over VP Nomination

Wisconsin Republicans are ecstatic over Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, being named running mate to presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, in the GOP fight to the White House against President Barack Obama.

Thousands gathered for the Romney-Ryan event in Waukesha. They came from throughout the state to support the hometown candidate.

For Waukesha County Register of Deeds Jim Behrend, it is a chance to see someone he’s known for 20 years rise up through the ranks. Even as a young, 20-something man in Wisconsin, Ryan was successful, “a cut above everyone else,” Behrend said during a rally supporting former Gov. Tommy Thompson for U.S. Senate.

“I just like somebody who can speak so eloquently on economics,” Behrend said. “I think that is where it is at and we never seem to get there. I think from Wisconsin’s perspective, I think we have a good chance of taking the state for Romney. I think if we do, there is no scenario where we won’t win nationally.”

Linda Carrivau of Sheboygan made the trek to the Waukesha County Expo with thousands of others from southeastern Wisconsin.

“I think Paul Ryan is a great pick,” Carrivau said. “He is eloquent. He has got a plan. He has a solid outlook on the economy.” 

Michael Anderson of Milwaukee was excited about Ryan’s nomination to vice president. While he didn’t know if Ryan would get it, he placed Ryan in the top 10 candidates.

“I think it is a great pick,” Anderson said. “I think Paul Ryan has a lot of fiscal experience. As House Budget Committee chairperson, he will be able to bring a lot of financial stability to the office of vice president.”

Anderson said the pick helps put Wisconsin on the map politically with the pick.

“We were important, but we are more of a crucial state than even before,” Anderson said. “With the (recall) victory of Gov. Scott Walker and holding onto the Senate and all those things, it really puts Wisconsin on the map as an important state in the future.”

Anderson was sporting a cheesehead with a Romney bumper sticker on it. He’s had it since Romney came to Wisconsin in April.

“The Secret Service decided to give it to me,” Anderson said.