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Congressman Smith praises Ryan as vice presidential candidate
This weekend Mitt Romney made his much anticipated choice for Vice Presidential candidate by picking Paul Ryan of Wisconsin.
But, will the selection be the boost Romney needs? Some say it will stir up the political debate and win over more right wing voters. News 5's Dara Newson spoke with Congressman Smith and conservatives in the community to find out what are people saying. Many are saying if Mitt Romney wins the Whitehouse in November Ryan's addition will be beneficial on the ticket. Congressman Adrian Smith agrees. "Paul Ryan is who, I think, our country needs as Vice President," said Smith. Will Romney and Ryan shore up the right wing party? "Well, there are many ways you could look at that. He has such a grasp of the budget he actually represents a district that President Obama won and other Democrats have won over the years for President," said Smith. Congressman Smith says issues like Medicare are on the verge of falling part and Ryan has the ability to restore the financial integrity of Medicare. "I think the folks in the middle, they know we need more fiscal responsibility out of Washington. Paul Ryan's background is very solid, but his knowledge and his ability to communicate on what needs to happen fiscally is what I think is especially beneficial to the ticket," said Smith. But will this alienate swing voters and the undecided? "Well, there are many ways you could look at that. Folks concerned about the fiscal direction of our country are very excited about Paul Ryan. It won't happen overnight. Actually, there's some folks who say he can't balance the budget fast enough," said Smith. In downtown Hastings true conservative Nebraskans say after Romney's choice, he'll have their vote in the November election. "I think he will kind of unite the Republican base, got a good strong conservative and I think that will be an excellent thing," said Bruce Hueftle. "I think he made a bold decision like he did with Paul Ryan. I think he's the kind of guy that actually shows our conservative values especially what we hold here in South Central Nebraska or all of Nebraska for that matter," said Galen Winkler. "I was for Mitt Romney before, yeah, but I think this will really help his platform," Leslie Hoffman said. Voters are already anticipating the Vice Presidential debate. "Him and Biden that ought to be fun, he ought to be able to get Biden to say something really stupid this time," said Winkler. There are opponents of Ryan's Medicare plan. Skeptics argue the plan leaves seniors out who are 50 and under. Republicans say Ryan's budget regarding Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security will spark some controversy during the October debate. |
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