Rumors of Ryan campaign for White House remain untrue
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Paul Ryan
JANESVILLE — Paul Ryan is not considering a run for president, despite a flurry of speculation to the contrary Tuesday.
That's the word from the Janesville Republican's spokesman, Kevin Seifert.
Seifert acknowledged that the 1st District congressman has heard from people who want him to run, but Ryan's answer is the same as it has been for several years: No.
"He appreciates the encouragement and support. I think it's one thing to speculate, but his mind hasn't changed," Seifert told the Gazette.
An interview with Milwaukee radio talk show host Charlie Sykes fueled speculation. Ryan apparently signaled to Sykes that he is not pleased with how Republican presidential candidates are addressing the country's economic future, which Ryan sees as the top issue of the day.
Seifert downplayed that, saying all of the GOP candidates have endorsed Ryan's ideas.
Seifert said Ryan would like to see a candidate emerge "who is capable of solving the big fiscal issues," and he hopes that more will be said about reforming Medicare and Medicaid as the campaign unfolds.
Ryan believes "there has to be a clear contrast between the president and whoever the (Republican) nominee is," Seifert added.
The Weekly Standard, a conservative magazine, posted an article on its website Tuesday citing unnamed Republican sources who said Ryan was edging closer to a presidential bid.
The Weekly Standard said Ryan is "strongly considering a run for president" and "has been quietly meeting with political strategists to discuss a bid over the past three months."
Seifert countered with a few of Ryan's past statements to reporters' questions about a presidential bid, including Fox News' Chris Wallace, who on Aug. 7 asked under what circumstances Ryan might run.
"My answer is still no," Ryan replied. "My answer is still the same as it always has been the last time you asked me."
"He's hearing from individuals who would like him to consider it, who would like to see him consider it, but it's not something he wants to do at the end of the day," Seifert said
People can change their minds, it was suggested to Seifert.
"He's not," Seifert replied.
Aug 18, 2011 at 8:35 p.m.
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bebe- He has made proposals, but what does it matter? It seems he can't breathe right for some. He does make proposals, but the party of no won't take yes for an answer. Even when he proposes their own ideas to them. The quote commented on was the Ryan quote in the story. I hope he does run for prez- then we won't have to deal with him in either position. JMHO Oh, and I'm not a liberal, conservative, democrat, republican or sitting in hot water in a tea pot. I am an American and I'm mad as h*ll at the whole lot. Grow up and make decisions that are best for the entire country is my advice to the whole of the politicians and their ilk
Aug 18, 2011 at 3:45 p.m.
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A NO vote For Ryan.
Aug 18, 2011 at 11:11 a.m.
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tamrlu-and what are Obama's priorities? Certainly hasn't been the economy or jobs, has it?? All he cares about is class warfare demagoguery and re-election
Aug 18, 2011 at 10:25 a.m.
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Bush used the first bus from Canada. Ryan's priorities are incorrect- first priority is jobs.
Aug 18, 2011 at 10:24 a.m.
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bebe53..... I think if I recall bush and Cheney already did that?
I'm sure with you knowlege you could find out for us? Thanks!
Aug 18, 2011 at 10:04 a.m.
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yada/mouse-yeah, would have been much better for him to be eating $26 hamburgers with Erpenbach and riding around in a $1 million dollar bus made by non-American workers-maybe we should buy out the Canadian auto industry as well
Aug 18, 2011 at 9:40 a.m.
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Zoom....... ? ...............? ................?
He does nothing, but lobby for insurance and billionaires.
Now if you want to ask questions, it's $35. He takes credit or checks, but prefers cash.
He needs to finish picking on the old, poor and sick before he moves into his next big paying project.
Aug 18, 2011 at 4:43 a.m.
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youkillme - Excellent comment and don't forget his pathway to prosperity includes not just one, but TWO $350.00 bottles of wine. Tighten your belts America for Paul.
Aug 18, 2011 at 1:46 a.m.
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So the architect of the plan to gut Medicare and starve Social Security while giving tax breaks to millionaires and corporations won't be running for president? Hmmm, I wonder why?
Aug 17, 2011 at 8:17 p.m.
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The Gazette seems to write a lot about what Ryan doesn't want to do, but little about what he actually does in office.
Aug 17, 2011 at 7:11 p.m.
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Thats good he would lose.
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