Ryan touted as one of GOP's 'young guns'
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Paul Ryan
WASHINGTON — Nicknamed one of his party's "young guns" by a conservative columnist, Rep. Paul Ryan set out last year to help other young, reform-minded conservatives get elected to Congress.
Now, Ryan's "Young Guns" campaign effort is getting a boost from the National Republican Congressional Committee, which works to elect Republicans to the House. The committee is building on the program, launched by Ryan and two of his colleagues, in an attempt to reclaim the GOP's majority in the House.
"Before, we were outside agitators trying to create a reform wave," the Janesville Republican said of the campaign effort that he began with Reps. Eric Cantor and Kevin McCarthy. "Now, we've developed enough critical mass that we're developing a reform party from within the party structure, which is a big difference."
The original program helped two dozen conservative candidates running for House seats in November with campaign funding, mentoring and policy advice. Six of the candidates who went through it won -- too few to change the power structure in the House, where Democrats now have a 254-178 majority.
But supporters say the newly expanded effort can help Republicans win congressional seats -- and ultimately regain power -- in the years to come.
"This is the start of building the majority," said McCarthy, a California Republican. "When we get the majority, they'll sit back and say the Young Guns were a vital part of it."
Cantor, of Virginia, who is the No. 2 Republican in the House, said the idea behind the program was to reinvigorate the party by helping forward-thinking conservatives win congressional seats. "The Young Guns program is designed to really identify future leaders in the Republican Party with the approach they are going to come to Washington with a new direction," he said.
Pundit praised trio
Ryan, McCarthy and Cantor drew inspiration for the program from a column by Fred Barnes, who dubbed the trio "young guns" who were working to change Washington. As the congressional elections loomed, the group decided to collaborate on a project designed to help Republican candidates unseat Democratic incumbents or win congressional seats left open after retirements.
They picked 24 candidates whom they thought stood a good chance of winning in 2008 and signed on more than 50 of their House colleagues to help them with campaign cash and advice. In all, they raised $2 million for the Young Guns program, according to McCarthy.
Ryan alone gave more than $58,000 to candidates in the program through his political action committee, including $10,000 to Wisconsin candidate John Gard, according to CQ Moneyline, which tracks campaign donations.
When Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) took the helm of the National Republican Congressional Committee late last year, one of his first moves was to adopt the Young Guns program and expand it under the committee, said spokesman Paul Lindsay. "Obviously Sessions was very impressed with it," he said.
In unveiling the new program this month, House GOP leaders said they plan to help only those candidates who can meet a series of tough campaign benchmarks on such things as fund raising and hiring experienced campaign officials. Top candidates can expect campaign checks and television ads funded by the National Republican Congressional Committee.
The effort is similar to the "Red to Blue" program by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee that seeks to help Democrats running for seats held by Republicans. In 2006, the then-chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Rahm Emanuel, used the program to support candidates who eventually helped Democrats take control of Congress.
Imitating Democrats
"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," said Gabby Adler, a spokeswoman for the Democratic group. "Republicans paid a price for being out of touch with the American people and have had significant losses for two election cycles, so it is understandable they would want to take a page from our playbook."
While only a handful of their candidates won in the fall, Young Guns supporters say the odds can only get better for them next year now that the party is behind them.
"We're pushing aside people who want us to cling to the status quo and become yet again a reform party," Ryan said.
Reversing tough losses
Some of the losses for Republicans in the Young Guns program last year came in Republican-leaning congressional districts such as Wisconsin's 8th, where Gard lost against Democrat Steve Kagen, who is now serving his second term. Dean Andal, a California Republican considered one of the top GOP recruits, lost in a conservative district despite strong help from Republicans across the country.
But the Young Guns effort also recruited a few winners: Steve Austria of Ohio, Lynn Jenkins of Kansas, Pete Olson of Texas, Erik Paulsen of Minnesota, Tom Rooney of Florida and Aaron Schock of Illinois. Of those, Olson, Rooney and Jenkins defeated Democratic incumbents.
In the House now, Rooney continues to see the original "young guns" as mentors. "I look to those guys not just for policy but also with regards to the future of our party, where we're going and who we want to be as a party vs. who we've been in the '90s when we won the majority but lost our way," he said.
Paulsen, who said he used Ryan as a resource on policy issues and campaign advice during his congressional race, still is learning from the Wisconsin Republican, who serves on the House Budget Committee.
Ryan briefed freshmen Republicans on the budget just last week.
Paulsen said Ryan's message to them was simple: "We need to be engaged, not just being the party of 'no' but offering alternatives."
Apr 1, 2009 at 2:21 p.m.
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Apparently you all out in Wisconsin are not suffering from un-employment, sending this young turk to throw wrenches in the works of recovery. Tax breaks for the rich - great idea, except that we have tried that for twenty years and nothing trickled down - the upper class got richer, the middle class weaker, and our infrastructure decayed. "People die every day from health care" is a very sensitive response to the reality that most working and middle class families are just one healthcare crisis away from possible bankruptcy and homelessness; not to mention that skyrocketing healthcare costs are a huge burden to small business, our greatest growth possibility. So you send a congressman that wants to continue the status quo, except of course taxing your health care benefits, guess you all are well provided and cared for out there. Next time around, keep your nice young man at home, and send someone who will help the rest of us out of this mess, please.
Mar 31, 2009 at 2:19 a.m.
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retiredairforce..agreed. These positions should be held by people who hold themselves first and foremost accountable for their own actions. These politicians come into this world naked and screaming like everyone other citizen and are educated to be ignorant like all of us are as well. The problem we face is knowing what is right and what is wrong anymore. Too much compromising of these principles has opened the door for evil. We're seeing the fruits of our labors in high definition right now. There will be those who choose to wake up and smell the coffee and those who will stay with the victim mentality. I'll take the smell of coffee anyday over dead crow!
Mar 31, 2009 at 2:18 a.m.
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I was always a fan of Ryan. That was until he voted for TARP, which without question, will go down in history as the worse piece of legislation ever passed.
Mar 31, 2009 at 1:55 a.m.
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matthew516, I like the idea but I also think no matter then name the party has it will still end the same with the rules that are now in place. Your idea combined with term limits for all should weed out the majority of party play for leadership roles that come with years of service. These positions should be held by the people with the most abilty not the most years of service in Washington.
Mar 31, 2009 at 1:33 a.m.
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Ryan is a drone like any other politician. Republican vs Democrat: they all stick together regardless of what's right or wrong. They choose pride over principle everytime. I'm all for adding a brand new party and calling it WBFAP "What's best for the American People".... somewhere in the middle of all the other two parties garbage and lack of leadership is something called doing what's right! It's called integrity. Not doing what is wrong doesn't cut it! Doing what is right because it needs to be done is what leaders do! Paul Ryan is just another "card" in the deck of life affectionately known as politics. TALLMAN said it best.... his character leaves alot to be desired because his actions don't back his words. Welcome to America.
Mar 31, 2009 at 12:06 a.m.
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"Clinton’s very successful, and needed, police–on-the–street program."
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Successful? It was farsical...perhaps you should read this story from the left leaning slate on this http://www.slate.com/id/2058553/
Mar 31, 2009 at 12:03 a.m.
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"You die without health care"
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People die everyday in this country with healthcare.
Mar 31, 2009 at 12:02 a.m.
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"Education, Health programs, Public Works - our parks, roads, minimum wage, veteran’s needs - always supported by Dems in the interest of progress, and resisted by Republicans in the interest of keeping the average person down."
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Another claim without facts. Members from both parties have voted for and against all of these at one time or another.
Mar 31, 2009 at midnight
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"No one in the history of these United States spent more than Bush and the Republican Congress,"
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Bush and the Democratic Congress did, now Obama and the Democratic Congress will surpass that mark.
Mar 30, 2009 at 10:59 a.m.
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mabusejuvenalis- Oh, and I also understand history. I could go read up so more, pull out some fancy facts and re-state them on this blog. Find many things that I think and know the democrats failed at (just like the republicans have also failed at things and I can admit that), but I'm not going to waste my time doing that so I can try sound like I'm smarter than others. It really solves nothing. As far as loud mouths. I would classify someone that would go through all that trouble in order to convey their obvious dislike of a political side, as a loud mouth. Either way, I won't take what you say personally, just like with others I haven't. Let's try and make some change as a Country together.
Mar 30, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.
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mabusejuvenalis- You're making very little sense and should stop taking politics so personally. Life is too short. I'm simply defending myself from bashers such as yourself. Hence where my comments came about taxes, etc. I was defending the republican attacks that should I call them "lefties" so often resort to. It's quite obvious you have something personal against Ryan, most all your posts are about him, or Republicans. By the way, there's obviously differences between the two parties. That is the point of having two parties. It doesn't take big words or a genius to understand that. According to you however, it's about hate, etc. What? Like I said, taking it a littler personal. The two party syndrome has unfortunately solved very little and it's too bad we can't unite. Don't worry either, I wasn't a bully. I got along with everyone.
Mar 30, 2009 at 10:17 a.m.
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Sparks:
Your own words, sir, your own emphasis: "As far as the taxing alone killing everyone. I'm merely stating a FACT."
Beg your pardon?? What's the mortality count today?
And you expect me to waste my time reading your blogs? This "genius" "my friend"(sic), "smart guy," "what a joke" bloke has better things to do than address your convenient use of the term "bashing," especially after enduring 20 years of incessant Bush-Gingrich-Bush-Cheney holier-than-thou hate-baiting against "libbruls," which, deny all your want, is only too obviously effective in contaminating "thinking" like yours. And, by the way, there are differences, serious differences, between the parties. But that would require reading a little history. Oh, since you are so familiar with what I was like in school: actually embarrassingly quiet and shy, and then quite intimidated by loud-mouth bullies. . . . Then.
Mar 30, 2009 at 9:33 a.m.
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I find it hard to believe the death of one of Janesville's most influential and famous leaders George Steil has passed away and the Gazette has nothing online. His obituary is in the Madison paper.
Mar 30, 2009 at 9:23 a.m.
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mabusejuvenalis- Hey genius. Read the rest of my posts below and you will see what my comment about not having a President and how that would be interesting was referring to. It was referring to someone else's comment that was bashing republicans and Ryan and the bailout and how they voted for it. My defense was that Obama voted for it also and if you were to remove everyone from office that did, we would be out of a President. As far as the taxing alone killing everyone. I'm merely stating a FACT. Sound familiar? Go read some of my other posts genius. There's numerous items I defend taxes on including in my own community. You'll find I'm quite opposite. I do like wine, but once again, you are a complete hypocrite as you sit and judge all republicans and even still judge my ethics. I remember people like you in school. Spent the limited time they have in life bashing about things like politics. Threw out the big words and talk, but couldn't change a car tire if their life depended on it. Hey, personal attacking. Sound familiar? Have a great day.
Mar 30, 2009 at 9 a.m.
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Spark
When? Well, for starters, " . . . we'd be out of a President. That could be interesting!" (3/29/09, 7:32 am)
Or "The taxing alone is going to kill everyone." (3/27/09, 2:27 pm)
Unbruise your ego, sparky, it was you who implied I was looking for handouts ("Are you one that wants hand me outs too?" 3/28/2009, 1:44 pm), and sorry to have to muddy your insinuations with facts. I do not need to brag or dumb down my vocabulary to trite Republican sloganeering, particularly to the likes of you - but I DO NEED to base my positions and pronouncements on FACTS. Oh, and sincerely, congratulations on having a nice family with good ethics. It is a blessing not all share, though your ethics' penetration seems to have its limits. But we all should be so lucky - don't have to think that way, just screech TAXES!!! And, by the way, can kool-aid still be found in our supermarkets? Been too busy myself with white wine and French cheese and driving Volvos, as those precision-analytic Repubs like to claim.
Mar 30, 2009 at 8:28 a.m.
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usaret:
You certainly have every right to speak. And your audience every right to judge. And to determine how dutifully it seems you have studied the issues and how carefully sorted the facts BEFORE speaking
But to say the Dems spend, spend, etc is insulting, both to them and to yourself, since they have turned in balanced budgets, surpluses, and forward looking programs to improve our nation's condition with historical regularity. Education, Health programs, Public Works - our parks, roads, minimum wage, veteran’s needs - always supported by Dems in the interest of progress, and resisted by Republicans in the interest of keeping the average person down. They voted en masse against Clinton’s budget, predicting doom and brimstone, which budget led to a full recovery from the Reagan-Bush economies, and an unprecedented eight years of growth and prosperity. They even opposed Clinton’s very successful, and needed, police–on-the–street program. And now, drum roll please, they have voted unanimously in the House – and all but three in the Senate– 220 Republicans in the Congress – anti the stimulus package. But almost unvaryingly they supported the mass of lies and wastage and hidden costs and destruction of US reputation in Iraq.
In today's world you get nowhere without education - should it be the sole reserve of the wealthy? You die without health care - should survival be the sole reserve of the wealthy? People who cannot drive - elderly, disabled, the young, the poor, those who disdain gross emissions pollution or sitting in rush hour jams for an hour and a half, get nowhere without mass transit - should mobility and ability to go to work be the sole reserve for the more fortunate? Or for those of us only too happy for the convenience of high emission cars?
No one in the history of these United States spent more than Bush and the Republican Congress, and to what mother-lovin purpose: so much of it, even the most obtuse now realize, went to greed, massive tax cuts for the very rich like his kin, connected lobbyist-cronies, military corruption, and unjustified lie-based mass-killing. Give Limbaugh his million dollar a week contract, and watch those cast out of jobs struggle to keep their families together, while he rails his cheap, offensive, high-privilege rhetoric at the millions like them.
Mar 30, 2009 at 8:22 a.m.
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mabusejuvenalis- One other thing. You constantly refer to Republicans as rich as you constantly push your political side and bash the other side in most of your posts. (Ironic since you make so much.) You are part of the problem. Fighting amongst political parties solves nothing and look where it's taken this country. Anyone can throw out a big vocabulary to try and sound like a know it all. Stereotyping the Republican party like that however, makes you sound extremely unintelligent. I respect Obama and if he can make a positive change, so be it. I didn't vote for him, but he's our President. There's a lot of things I could say about him and the Democratic party, but what's that going to solve? I will defend my side when the bashing begins, which it did with you and this article.
Mar 30, 2009 at 8:12 a.m.
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mabusejuvenalis- YOU ARE A COMPLETE JOKE MY FRIEND. At what point did I ever say I made a lot of money. You make twice if not four times more than I do? Let me correct you on something. Making comments like that makes you sound egotistic. You know nothing about my family, my family morals or my community presence. You will find in many of my posts that I defend and love this community. That being said, keep your stereotypes and personal attacks off this site. If you want to go that route some other time, just let me know. One other thing smart guy. When did I ever say I didn't want a President or didn't understand we have to have taxes? There is a difference between having taxes and not wanting to be overly taxed or taxed for people that don't work hard or have a work ethic. You being apparently as rich as you are with your large wage that you bragged about, should obviously understand this. That being said, it sounds like you are confused on your political beliefs. I'm the farthest thing from rich and never said I was. I merely stated I have a great job and worked hard to get where I'm at. Keep throwing out your big vocabulary and personal attacks. Makes you sound real intelligent.
Mar 30, 2009 at 7:10 a.m.
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spark
Where I come from having a job and working hard is only the start. It's a given in our family ethic, and boasting about it is considered immodest. Instead, one's sense of communal membership, and duty to and concern for our fellow man who may not be so fortunate takes over from there. Obviously yours doesn't and you are very susceptible to the selfish "me first" arguments of the rich-suck-up Repubs. And since your case is so hopeless, I will leave it there while you dream of a society with no president and no taxes. I have work to do.
And since you, who do not know me from Adam, wish to impugn me as one who wants "hand-outs," I'll wager I make two - four times what you do (not boasting, just correcting your grossly erroneous, hopelessly stereotypical impression), and don't have to squeeze every penny in egotistic self-satisfaction and cliched bashing of less fortunate others to make myself feel good.
Mar 29, 2009 at 5:14 p.m.
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warm: if you control my thoughts then you must be a republican and believe in what I believe. Isn't that the logical conclusion one would get if you controled someone thoughts. Have a nice day.
Mar 29, 2009 at 7:32 a.m.
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Minan- That means we'd be out of a President. That could be interesting!
Mar 28, 2009 at 3:56 p.m.
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spark
This is what I am saying.
Vote every one who voted "YES" on the bailouts out of office!!!!
This includes the bum Ryan.
Mar 28, 2009 at 1:44 p.m.
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mabusejuvenalis- Hopelsess case? I'm the farthest thing. I have a great job, great work ethic and I don't bash people for voting one way or another. The only time I get pissed is when the bashing starts from others. Solves nothing. Keep thinking that the new Government is going to fix everything too. It happens every term. Something is broke and then someone else tries fixing it. Around and around we go while we all argue political sides and solve nothing. If you like being taxed beyond belief, that is your right. I personally would like to keep my money rather than paying for someone else's laziness and lack of ambition. Are you one that wants hand me outs too? Paul Ryan isn't going anywhere my friend. There's way too many people that know he does a good job. As far as my vision and your insults. You don't know me so I'd appreciate keeping your personal attacks to yourself. Until then, I'll be enjoying my life and all the hard work I've put into it.
Mar 28, 2009 at 12:50 p.m.
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Paul Ryan is exceptional. We're lucky to have him.
Mar 28, 2009 at 12:29 p.m.
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I certainly concur with tallman, and here is why; Ryan voted with George W Bush 94% of the time! This last retort from him to write a "GOP Budget" did not even have Dollar figures in it!! Then, before submitting it, Paul Ryan did not even sign it himself!? It was nothing but a cheap effort at some headlines. Why write a budget if there is no actual budgetary dollar value placed on anything? It was just a hoax and a waste of our tax money, and THAT get's him noticed? Unbelievable.
tallman;"Just my opinion and how I choose to vote, is to vote for the person you believe in most based on their record. I subscribe to megavote.com to watch my present office holders. Paul Ryan is as Rep Obey said "Paul Ryan gives hypocracy a bad name" because he speaks to his constituents one thing and votes another when in Washington. Check the record, Rep Ryan voted right down the line with Bush-Cheney and the Republicans in power at the time."
Mar 28, 2009 at 12:26 p.m.
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Just keep pumping out the Bush/Cheney clones GOP and see what happens...how desperate is the hype with this president 2 months into office? If corporate America does NOT get taxed by a president with a sense of fairness, working class gets stiffed and the Bush economy disaster will result again.....
Mar 28, 2009 at 11:50 a.m.
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Tallman has it right on policically-favored agencies (Blackwater, Haliburton).
Mar 28, 2009 at 11:33 a.m.
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Warm: Rather anybody listens or not, I do not have to, as you put it "Shut UP".
Just like the rest of you, I have as much right to voice my opinon and if you don't like it, don't read it. You don't control the press. You don't control peoples thoughts. It is individuals like you that try to stifle free speech and I figure you know what Free and Speech are or is that assuming too much? So, I will continue to make input on any item that I want just as I am sure you will. Have a nice day and be thankful you live in a country that lets you express your thoughts without fear of reprecussion.
Mar 28, 2009 at 11:15 a.m.
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usaret: Everybody listens to you. So keep it up.
Mar 28, 2009 at 9:57 a.m.
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Isn't this the same kind of celebrity worship that Republicans like to complain about? Paul Ryan is a congressman sucking off the welfare of a gerrymandered district. He is a professional politician. He has done nothing else but be a politician. Didn't the Republicans learn anything from Sarah Palin?
Mar 28, 2009 at 8:25 a.m.
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NVgrf:
I can respect people that have a different opinion than mine when they at least provide some form of information to back up what they have said. But you, the majority of what I have read of your posts start out with calling someone a name or labeling them in some way. I try to avoid going that way, but in your case I'll use the same method as you. There is a word that fits you to a T, it's called a wind bag, that's right, you are nothing more than a wind bag. You run your mouth on these blogs constantly with nothing of substance to back any of it up. Maybe you can help your president out with his proposal to use new energy sources, you could be an eternal source of WIND!
Mar 28, 2009 at 4:59 a.m.
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a BIG thank you to TALLMAN - very well stated! I agree with you 100%. Thank you for your comments.
Mar 28, 2009 at 1:53 a.m.
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I must say I am proud of our fellow citizens. Reading these posts has given me, an admitted political addict, many things to think about. Most of us, "spark," with his prehistoric pabulum and personal boasting, obviously excluded, have wised up, and are onto the hypocrisy of Republican talking points. Way to go Janesville! And County of Rock! Take our government back from slippery silver spoons like empty-headed "young gun" "mentor" Paul Ryan. If we keep up the good fight for the people, maybe even selfishly hopeless cases like "spark" will see some light. But wait - that would require vision, and ophthalmologists we are not.
Mar 28, 2009 at 1:50 a.m.
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"illegal invasion"
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All invasions are illegal in the eyes of some people/country/party/philosophy.
Mar 28, 2009 at 1:45 a.m.
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"Once again....argggggg"
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Yep, that is what most us read when we see your continued rants and lies of the past eight years.
Mar 28, 2009 at 1:10 a.m.
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If Ryan is one of their brightest young stars, they are in trouble. That said, he's always kind of reminded me of JFK....crossed with Alfalfa, that is.
Mar 27, 2009 at 11:46 p.m.
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"The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the millstone of taxation and inflation".
Vladimir Lenin
Mar 27, 2009 at 11:38 p.m.
Mar 27, 2009 at 11:13 p.m.
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I AM NOT A CROOK !
Mar 27, 2009 at 10:32 p.m.
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That's right folks. Let's get those Republicans back in office so we can have more deficit spending to support defense related expenditures to beat the commies...oh, this isn't 1984? Well, that whole Reagonimic things worked out great...lets do that, well maybe not. Paul Ryan is a tool, just like any politician. Further the cause of those that have deep pockets, greasing the wheels of progress, as long as the "right" people are progressing.
The Republican party is a tool, to further the cause of short sighted "social conservatives" who are more interested in what people do in their bedrooms, than what happens around the world. I was kind of hoping McCain would have one just to see how "Mavericky" he and Palin would be. Same old, same old.
Mar 27, 2009 at 9:52 p.m.
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usaret, not really. It`s like trying to chase the cows after their out of the barn. The stimulus money is being followed, but the TARP (besides the auto makers loans)and Fed money is just floating so far. Kind of like the Army paying $30,000 for toilets, and $12,000 for hammers!
Mar 27, 2009 at 9:48 p.m.
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And where is the money going now? I don't have a clue do you? I mean, it is all so transparent.
Mar 27, 2009 at 9:19 p.m.
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usaret, the only way you get to choose where your tax money goes is at the ballot box. I don`t want mine going to an illegal invasion of Iraq, so I voted for Obama. That is the only way to choose the governments priorities. He got elected and now he`ll have his chance.
Mar 27, 2009 at 8:46 p.m.
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This article means the the Democrats will officially dump millions into local campaigns to defeat Ryan next election.
Mar 27, 2009 at 8:41 p.m.
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usaret - BINGO! You nailed it on the head. I worked my butt off to get where I'm at. I went to school. I got an education. I put in the effort. I owe anyone else that didn't choose to do that NOTHING! Amazing what hard work get's you in life.
Mar 27, 2009 at 8:37 p.m.
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Minan-So you would have way more respect for all the democrats including your current President that vote for the bailout also then. That argument is so lame and could be used for practically the entire Congress that had no choice. Maybe you and others should read up on what he really thought of the bailout and why he voted for it. Quite ironic also considering Ryan is opposed to the proposed budget that our current President is applying that will tax the crap out of everyone. By the way, I see our great Governor is going to tax us some more. That's right, let the Government control everything and lets see where it's going to get us. Just wait.
Mar 27, 2009 at 8:12 p.m.
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3 words OMG!
Mar 27, 2009 at 8:01 p.m.
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Why is it that no matter what a republican says or does, it is wrong. Well, BS. The problem with the Democratic Party is that they need to be victums otherwise they would have no purpose. The only plans they have are to spend, spend, spend and blame, blame, blame. You insult, show disrespect to others but if anyone questions or says anything in the least bit derogatory, you go off on a tantrum. Your phoney act is getting a bit boring. Come on, come up with something that actually will accomplish something. So far your democractic elected officials have done what they always do, nothing. Where is all the money they used for bailouts going? Seen any? Why are the Democrates so busy trying to divide the nation over rich vs poor? How many poor people hire people to work? Why do they say they want free health care for everyone? Who pays for it in the long run? Don't look in the mirror.
In all the years of budget increases for education, which direction has education taken? Don't look down. Why is it that your party believes in sharing my earnings. I've got news for you, if I want to share my wages, I want to be the one who decides how much and where it goes, not some government burocrate. That may seem selfish to a few of you, but I earned it, I deserve the right to determine how it is spent. So, go on, continue to bash the previous administration all you want. Blame them for the sun setting in the west for all I care, but please note, Obama and the leadership(?) of the Democratic Party is just as much to blame for the current status of our country. If you want to continue on down this road, fine, but it would be a lot better if we started working together to resolve instead of continuing to blame.
Mar 27, 2009 at 7:42 p.m.
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Just my opinion and how I choose to vote, is to vote for the person you believe in most based on their record. I subscribe to megavote.com to watch my present office holders. Paul Ryan is as Rep Obey said "Paul Ryan gives hypocracy a bad name" because he speaks to his constituents one thing and votes another when in Washington. Check the record, Rep Ryan voted right down the line with Bush-Cheney and the Republicans in power at the time. They not only spent the Trillion plus that was left by Clinton but then started an undeclared war, spending unlimited funds for all kinds of politically favored agencies such as Blackwater. Blackwater was a huge financial contributed to the republican party through Amway owned by Blackwater's CEO's parents. Haliburton is another one, who has stolen billions and totally supported by Ryan. The list goes on and on. I admit that some Democrats voted along also but Ryan says things politically favorable now but his record does not support his back door rhetoric. He supported the first $700 billion dollar bailout that can't even be tracked. He was on the finance committee and watched absolutely nothing as long as it was backed by his fellow Republicans and Bush-Cheney. Just my thoughts and opinion.
Mar 27, 2009 at 7:06 p.m.
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READ--> Comments by FUTURERICHGUY - I agree with you 100% - We are NOT better off since 1999 with Paul Ryan. I will admit to voting for him at one time and it was a mistake. I saw him on tv recently and he sounded like every other politician saying the same silly things about the economy as if he has all of the answers.
Mar 27, 2009 at 5:23 p.m.
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"Are the people of Janesville and the district better off since Paul Ryan was elected in 1999?"
That answer is easy, NO. I would have had way more respect for Mr. Ryan had he voted no on the Wall Street bailouts.
Mar 27, 2009 at 3:59 p.m.
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pubsrus- Your going to be cleaning the chit out of the stalls for him with your own money. He's just going to be your boss and you're like the farmhand.
Mar 27, 2009 at 3:41 p.m.
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Hey kinsohn, Obama is like the new owner of a Kentucky horse farm. It has a lot of potential but first you have to clean the chit out of the stalls. That is what Obama has to do his first term since old George pretty much left the stalls in disarray.
Mar 27, 2009 at 3:17 p.m.
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NVgrf
Mar 27, 2009 at 11:17 a.m.
As long as Sarah Palin and Paul Ryan are the best hopes for the future of the Republican Party, the Democrats are more than safe. I don't think the Janesville homeboy syndrome will translate nationally.
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Instead bashing republicans all the time, which is all you ever do, why don't you tell us how well the president you helped elect is doing. I don't see you around here very much defending him. Just pop in, run your mouth, and exit.
Mar 27, 2009 at 2:27 p.m.
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By the way. Go to his website. Maybe you will learn something. If you want the Government instead of the people to have full control over everything, keep voting that way. The taxing alone is going to kill everyone. Not sure how anyone can bash Ryan when he is against one of the worst budgets this Country is ever going to see. I'm not a Democratic basher either. I get pissed when people start bashing the other parties. It solves nothing. I believe Republicans and Democrats need to work together. This is why this Country has the problem they have.
Mar 27, 2009 at 2:13 p.m.
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mabusejuvenalis- I'll mouth it off all I want. Your comments are pretty commical how you (like all the other lefties) bash republicans and you have one of the worst taxing democrat Governors that runs this state. They caused it all? Ya they did. Pretty easy to blame everyone else when you're too blind to see your own have serious issues themselves. Keep drinking the Kool-aid.
Mar 27, 2009 at 1:59 p.m.
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"Reform-minded conservatives"? Give me a break, they caused it all. Just look at the record. If you can't take the time to examine his Bush-Cheney voting pattern, you shouldn't go mouthing off about how fine a guy Ryan is. "Reform-minded conservatives" - an oxymoron of unparallelled dimension. And isn't "forward thinking conservative" a logical contradiction? - should have the true conservatives rolling over in their graves. Facts are facts, and Ryan's empty-suit rhetoric is, well - sorry, foaming liberal-bashers - merely empty-suit rhetoric. The only thing Ryan mentors is xeroxed pretty-word Republican talking points.
Mar 27, 2009 at 1:45 p.m.
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futurerichguy- If that's the case, we shouldn't vote for anyone in congress, including the presidents because they're all accountable for having an influence on certain things that have gone wrong at some point and time. Paul Ryan will continue to get my vote and many others will continue voting for him because he does a good job. It's no coincidence that he's beaten out his opponents by at very large margin every time.
Mar 27, 2009 at 1:32 p.m.
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kinsohn, actually the debt is over $11 trillion right now. About $4 trillion is owed to other countries, and $7 trillion to ourselves.
Mar 27, 2009 at 1:27 p.m.
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Spark, Paul Ryan is not responsible as you say, but he sure is heck should be held accountable. Every incumbant should be held accountable otherwise they could simply pass blame and claim things were out of their control. We need to send a message as voters that this is not acceptable. Paul Ryan should not continue to get our votes.
Mar 27, 2009 at 1:26 p.m.
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If deficit spending is a measure of sanity, the Democrats are the sanest people in history. Their sanity will double the entire nation's debt incurred over the last 230 years from $4.4 trillion today to $9.3 trillion by 2019.
If that's sanity, please admit me.
Mar 27, 2009 at 12:12 p.m.
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If Paul Ryan really is the future of the GOP they will do well next cycle. Somehow, though, I doubt that. He really is the polar opposite of Sarah Palin, and nitwits like Palin, Steele, and dullards like Boehner seem to be the order of the day for the party right now. If the party is smart they'll put Ryan or someone like him in the next tier of leadership. But social moderates are in disfavor right now; he's only where he is because of the party's sudden rediscovery, after eight years of off-the-books deficit spending, of its fiscal responsibility plank. And they're applying it in the face of a recession, which everyone recognizes is insane.
Mar 27, 2009 at 11:53 a.m.
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Very disparaging article about Ryan on the Huffington post website entitled, "Paul Ryan Throws A Poisoned T-Bone Towards The Blue Dogs." At least he had the brains to object to the little show yesterday about the farce called the Republican Budget Alternative, but he was ordered to fall in line by John Boehner, and he did.
Mar 27, 2009 at 11:28 a.m.
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NVgrf- Don't fool yourself. Paul Ryan is going to go a long ways. Palin and Ryan aren't even in the same category. Ryan would do ten times better as a Governor than what we have now.
Mar 27, 2009 at 11:17 a.m.
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As long as Sarah Palin and Paul Ryan are the best hopes for the future of the Republican Party, the Democrats are more than safe. I don't think the Janesville homeboy syndrome will translate nationally.
Mar 27, 2009 at 10:59 a.m.
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I suppose you naysayers are more approving of the Barney Franks and Newt Gingrich class of politician? I truly believe Ryan and Feingold are two of only a few "kieepers" in washington when it comes to ethics and truly trying to help america and not themselves.
Mar 27, 2009 at 10:52 a.m.
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The problem with Paul Ryan is that he doesn't want to raise taxes on small businesses, gasoline, electricity, health insurance, and heating bills while simultaneously running trillion dollar deficits forever and consequently mortgaging our children's future to the Chinese like Obama does.
Mar 27, 2009 at 10:48 a.m.
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"If the left wing nuts can do to him what they did to Sarah Palin he can kiss his career of being a meaningful public servant-hood goodbye."
You're comparing Sarah Palin to Paul Ryan? Seriously?
Mar 27, 2009 at 10:43 a.m.
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I met Paul Ryan with my AP Government class on Wednesday here in Washington. I am a democrat; however, I still voted for Paul Ryan. He is an amazing politician.
Mar 27, 2009 at 10:35 a.m.
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futurerichguy-You and I both know, Janesville is in the worst shape we've seen in quite sometime. Especially since 1999 and that's not Paul Ryan's fault my friend.
Mar 27, 2009 at 10:22 a.m.
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An important question should be asked, "Are the people of Janesville and the district better off since Paul Ryan was elected in 1999?"
Mar 27, 2009 at 9:58 a.m.
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Paul Ryan does a great job and I only hope he runs for Governor so we can get this taxing, money hungry leach Doyle who's done nothing for this state out of office.
Mar 27, 2009 at 9:56 a.m.
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If he has already been said to be taking a page from the democratic play book he is already in big trouble. If the left wing nuts can do to him what they did to Sarah Palin he can kiss his career of being a meaningful public servant-hood goodbye. In this world of sound-bites it is easy to make people believe things by just insinuating them. For instance: Saturday Night Live is NOT a news program, Tina Fey is NOT Sarah Palin, Jon Stewart is NOT a news-journalist, and Alaska is NOT the 56th state. What Paul Ryan needs to have is an idealism and belief more like Ronald Reagan, "government is not the solution to the problem - government is the problem".
Mar 27, 2009 at 9:17 a.m.
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Not surprised ... this is exactly how he has been positioning himself...doing every bidding of the GOP (and Bush) while consistently and constantly voting against the best interests of the constituents back home. It's time people stop chanting "....but he's such a nice young man in person" and start paying attention to exactly what his votes in Congress are doing to them!
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