Paul Ryan is Mitt Romney's VP Pick. What Do You Think?

Mitt Romney has named Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Janesville) as his vice presidential running mate, according to a release from the campaign this morning.

Ryan, who is in his seventh term in Congress and is viewed as a rising star in Republican politics, represents Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District in the southeastern corner of the state. He is chairman of the House Budget Committee and serves on the House Ways and Means Committee.

In January 2010, Ryan gained attention nationwide after unveiling his “Roadmap for America’s Future.” The controversial budget plan called for cuts in spending, taxes and food stamps as well as the repeal of the health care law passed under President Barack Obama.

Romney's pick is seen by some national politicos as a risky pick, compared to former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, the other potential VP candidates reportedly on his short list.  

A fifth-generation Wisconsin native, Ryan entered Congress in January 1999. Then 28, he was the youngest member of the freshman class. Prior to running for Congress, Ryan served as an aide to Republican Sens. Robert Kasten Jr. and Sam Brownback, former U.S. Rep. and Vice Presidential candidate Jack Kemp, and as a speechwriter for former U.S. Education Secretary William Bennett, according to the release.

Ryan earned degrees in economics and political science from Miami University of Ohio.  He is an avid outdoorsman and is a member is of his local archery association in Wisconsin, the Janesville Bowmen, according to the release.

The Romney campaign announced the choice of Ryan to backers via a phone app. An official public announcement came at 9 a.m. in Norfolk, VA, according to the Huffington Post, the Associated Press and other media.

What's your opinion of Paul Ryan? What do you think of Romney's choice, and how do you think a Romney-Ryan ticket will fare with Western Pennsylvania voters? Tell us in the comments, below.