Oklahoma politicians react to Ryan selection
BY STAFF REPORTS
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Here's what Oklahoma political leaders had to say about Mitt Romney's choice of Rep. Paul Ryan as his vice presidential running mate:
U.S. Sen Tom Coburn, R-Okla.: “Governor Romney has made an outstanding selection. He has sent a clear signal that he intends to win not just a political victory but a mandate to restore America. The Romney-Ryan ‘comeback team’ understands our debt is the greatest threat to our national security and will act decisively to meet that generational challenge.
“I have had the privilege of working alongside Paul Ryan for many years. He has exhibited the rarest and most essential quality of leadership in politics — moral courage. When most elected officials have offered only rhetoric, Ryan has had the audacity to offer specifics and a plan that has transformed the landscape of American politics.
“Those on the left who view this pick as an opportunity to demonize their opponents will, through their attacks, only energize Americans who are yearning for honesty and real answers. The fact is Ryan has proposed innovative ways to salvage the noblest goals of his political opponents — a safety net that is both compassionate and sustainable. I applaud Governor Romney and look forward to helping the Romney-Ryan ticket put America back on track.”
U.S. Sen Jim Inhofe, R-Okla.: “I congratulate Mitt Romney on his excellent vice presidential selection of Paul Ryan. Ryan is a solid conservative who has shown incredible leadership on some of the biggest issues of the day. The Romney-Ryan ticket will bring solutions to our country’s fiscal problems while restoring America’s economic strength. Incidentally, he has family ties to our state since his wife is from Oklahoma.”
U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, D-Okla.: “Andrea and I are excited for Paul and Janna. Janna and I grew up together and I couldn’t be more proud of my cousin. Like my late mother after whom she is named, Janna is a wonderful parent to their children and will be Paul’s strongest supporter on the campaign trail. Paul has a firm moral compass and has always approached his job as a congressman with diligence and honesty. Having many friends on both sides of the aisle, he is an effective and talented leader. Although we belong in different political parties, I see Paul as a friend, a fellow hunter, and most importantly, a family man.”
U.S. Rep. John Sullivan, R-Okla.: “The more America learns about Paul Ryan, the more people are going to love him. He is a bold leader, a serious legislator and the kind of principled conservative we need to lead our country back to economic prosperity.
“I’ve had the pleasure of serving with Paul in Congress, he is a good friend and I can tell your from first-hand experience, his selection to serve at Mitt Romney’s running mate is a home run for the American people.
“Paul Ryan has family ties to Oklahoma, he knows the great people of our state and he will make an excellent Vice President of the United States.”
Gov. Mary Fallin: “Having worked with Paul Ryan in Congress, I know he is a smart, committed advocate for the kind of small government, pro-growth policies that are going to create more jobs and get this country back on track. He’s also a genuinely nice person with a great family and a wonderful wife from Madill, Oklahoma. He will make a great running mate, and continue to be an effective voice for the principles of limited government and free markets that make America great. I applaud Mitt Romney for selecting Paul, and I look forward to doing everything I can to support the Romney/Ryan ticket.”
Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Matt Pinnell: “Today marks a turning point in this presidential race. Ryan’s addition to the ticket shows that Governor Romney, in addition to his focus on job creation, is prepared to run a robust campaign with a sharp message built around tax and spending cuts, deficit reduction and entitlement reform; policies that will literally save this country.”
“When you couple this winning message with the fact that he’s married to an Oklahoman and his dogs are named Boomer and Sooner, Mitt Romney couldn’t have chosen a more qualified running mate.”
Original Print Headline: Oklahoma politicians react to Ryan selection
