Area Republicans Praise Romney’s VP Choice

After learning that Mitt Romney had selected Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) as his running mate Saturday morning, several area Republicans praised the choice. 

"I think selecting Paul Ryan as his VP candidate signals Romney's intent to remain focused on the economy as the overriding issue of this campaign," said Canton Republican Town Committee Chairman Brian First. "Ryan is respected across the political spectrum as a person of integrity, principle and character. A fiscally conservative, optimistic, energetic and thoughtful VP candidate from the midwest appeals to me and I'm sure many other voters."

Several other area Republicans were also pleased with the choice. 

"GAME ON!!! Now that Paul Ryan is the official VP Pick expect policy issues such as Wasteful Government Spending, Budget Reform, and Entitlement Reform (Medicare / Healthcare) to be added to Mitt Romney's foundational campaign on Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Job Creation," the Avon Republican Town Committee posted on its Facebook page. "Let's all educate our friends and neighbors on these issues the next few weeks to change the tone of this November's election."

Simsbury resident and 5th District candidate Lisa Wilson Foley praised Romney's decision, calling Ryan a "brilliant, strong choice for reform and opportunity."

"Paul Ryan understands the future of our country demands action on our massive debt while promoting economic opportunity for every American," Wilson Foley said in a press release. "Paul Ryan is a leader who can speak with great authority on how America can be great again."

The Avon businesswoman particularly pinpointed Ryan's "most recent budget proposal," calling it a "fair and reasoned approach to addressing our nations [sic] budget crisis."

"Mitt Romney has demonstrated his knowledge of how business works and what working people need to pursue their dreams," Wilson Foley said in a statement. "Paul Ryan is a perfect match for a winning team that will lead our country's comeback."

One of her opponents, Justin Bernier, a Farmington native and Plainville resident, released the following statement Saturday afternoon.

"Governor Romney's choice of Paul Ryan is a home run," Bernier said in a press release. "Congressman Ryan is the kind of Republican that will energize our base and attract Independents and conservative Democrats.  Our Vice Presidential candidate is principled, conservative, pro life, and hardworking.  Paul Ryan is a superb addition to the GOP's presidential ticket."