Ryan Send-Off to Convention
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It's the kickoff to a major political week for Wisconsin. More than two thousand people rallied in Janesville Monday, to send-off Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan to the GOP convention in Tampa, Florida. Video by nbc26.com
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Supporters cheer on Republican presumptive vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan at a sendoff rally Monday at Janesville Craig High School. Ryan is heading to the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. Image by Mark Hoffman
JANESVILLE, WI - It's the kickoff to a major political week for Wisconsin. More than two thousand people rallied in Janesville Monday, to send-off Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan to the GOP convention in Tampa, Florida.
Many supporters were wearing blue Romney-Ryan t-shirts, or sporting Cheeseheads with the Romney-Ryan name, cheering on the native from Wisconsin.
“Friends, we can do this,” said Paul Ryan. “We can get this thing done. We can turn this thing around.”
The rally was held at his high school gym, where he graduated in 1988. Ryan was introduced by his brother Tobin. They talked about the home that shaped their family.
“It's Janesville, it's this community, it's Wisconsin, it's all of you that produced Paul Ryan,” said Tobin Ryan, Paul Ryan’s older brother.
Ryan spoke about the upcoming election, and why he and Gov. Mitt Romney are the right choice, standing up for the middle class.
“We're not just picking the next president for a few years, we're picking the pathway for America, for a generation,” said Ryan.
About 40 protesters gathered outside the school. One interrupted Ryan inside, but they were quieted by chants of “USA” and were eventually escorted out.
Many who attended the rally talked about the Congressman who is one of their own.
“It's very weird. We see him all over. We see him at Menards, Home Depot, we've saw him at cross-country meets before,” said Gretchen Genrich, from Janesville.
And the pride they feel, seeing a Wisconsinite on the national stage.
“I'm just so proud of him, he'll do the country fantastic,” said one supporter.
Ryan was joined this afternoon by his wife and their children.
During the GOP Convention later this week, Ryan will accept the Vice Presidential nomination, and speak at the convention on Wednesday night.
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