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Mitt Romney Picks Congressman Paul Ryan as Running Mate

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA – Mitt Romney today will announce Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan as his Vice Presidential running mate in front of the USS Wisconsin. Below is a biography of the Congressman Ryan released by the Romney Campaign:

US Representative Paul Ryan is in his seventh term in Congress representing Wisconsin's First Congressional District. He is Chairman of the House Budget Committee, where he has worked tirelessly leading the effort to reign in federal spending and increase accountability to taxpayers. He also serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, where he has focused on simplifying the tax code and making healthcare more affordable and accessible.

In January 2010, Ryan gained attention nationwide after unveiling his "Roadmap for America's Future," a proposal to eliminate the federal deficit, reform the tax code, and reduce entitlement spending.

Representative Ryan was born in Janesville, Wisconsin on January 29, 1970. A fifth generation Wisconsin native, Ryan was the youngest of four children born to Paul Ryan Sr., who worked as an attorney, and Betty, a stay at home mom.

In April 2000, Ryan proposed to Janna Little, a native Oklahoman, at one of his favorite fishing spots, Big St. Germain Lake in Wisconsin. Later that year, the two were married in Oklahoma City.

The Ryans reside in Janesville with their three children, Liza, Charlie and Sam. The family are parishioners at St. John Vianney Catholic Church.

Ryan is a graduate of Joseph A. Craig High School in Janesville and earned degrees in economics and political science from Miami University in Ohio. He is an avid outdoorsman, hunter and is a member is of his local archery association, the Janesville Bowmen.

posted August 11, 2012 9:20 am edt