Paul Ryan: 'Isn't Going Anywhere' Despite Retirement Report

As Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Janesville) helps push tax reform through Congress this year, there is word that the longtime congressman from Wisconsin has an exit strategy in place.

According to a Politico article posted midday Thursday, Ryan’s preference has become clear: He would like to serve through Election Day 2018 and retire ahead of the next Congress. According to Politico, "this would give Ryan a final legislative year to chase his second white whale, entitlement reform, while using his unrivaled fundraising prowess to help protect the House majority—all with the benefit of averting an ugly internecine power struggle during election season."

According to a CNN report this afternoon, Ryan roundly rejected the Politico report's accuracy, saying he "wasn't going anywhere" when questioned on his future plans. Ryan's spokesperson also called the Politico report speculative, referring to Ryan's earlier comment today. "This is pure speculation," Ryan spokeswoman AshLee Strong said in a statement. "As the speaker himself said today, he's not going anywhere any time soon."

Ryan Opponent Chimes In

Wisconsin Working Families Party director Marina Dimitrijevic issued a statement in response to press reports that House Speaker Paul Ryan will retire after his current term.
“Paul Ryan has seen the writing on the wall, as well as the numbers in the polls. We have no doubt he is contemplating retirement to avoid the embarrassment of losing," she wrote.

According to the Democratic-leaning organization that represents a coalition of labor groups, his opponent in the 2018 election, Randy Bryce, is gaining ground on the Republican Congressman.

“Randy Bryce, an ironworker and member of the Working Families Party, has been forcing the national spotlight onto Paul Ryan's single-minded obsession: stealing the wealth of the nation to give away to Wall Street and his wealthiest campaign donors. The massively unpopular tax bill that he engineered, a giveaway of trillions to the super-rich, could be enough to break him. His announced desire to pare back Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security are the last straw. Those are deal-breakers for the vast majority of voters in every district."

Patch will update this story as more information comes available.

Timeline of Paul Ryan's political career:

• 2015-Present: Speaker of the House
• 2012: Vice Presidential candidate and running mate with Mitt Romney
• 1999-Present: U.S. Representative from Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District
• 1995-1997: Legislative Director to Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
• 1993-1995: Advisor and speechwriter for Empower America
• 1992: Aide to Sen. Robert Kasten (Wis.)
• 1992: Graduated from Miami University with a B.A.

Image Via Patch.com, Scott Anderson