After a week of rumors that he was consulting with advisers and family members on a possible presidential run, we have learned from the Ryan camp that the House Budget Committee chair has decided not to throw his hat into the ring.
More details soon from Bob Costa.
UPDATE: Here’s the Ryan statement:
“I sincerely appreciate the support from those eager to chart a brighter future for the next generation. While humbled by the encouragement, I have not changed my mind, and therefore I am not seeking our party’s nomination for President. I remain hopeful that our party will nominate a candidate committed to a pro-growth agenda of reform that restores the promise and prosperity of our exceptional nation. I remain grateful to those I serve in Southern Wisconsin for the unique opportunity to advance this effort in Congress.”
Paul Ryan would make a wonderful president, but for now we need him doing good work in the House. A wise decision.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI agree...he has important work in the House and can do us much good there. And, he's young and will make a great President in the future.
Reply to this commentLinkReport Abuse....and what if Republicans lose the House? Its entirely possible.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseGood. He's a good man doing an important job in the House.
I'm pro-Perry but who ever the nominee, he/she will need a spine of steel and an executive record. I'll not make a judgment on Ryan's spine, but he does not have the executive experience needed for 2012.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseThe Happy Warrior contingent will simply keep its power dry.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseVery disappointing. The GOP field is a joke and will hand Obama four more years. I am not convinced that the Republic will survive an Obama term not limited by his re-election chances.
Ryan would destroy Obama in debates and is exactly what the GOP needs to reach out to younger voters and mkae conservatism "cooler". I understand his reluctance but wish he would make the sacrifice for the good of our nation.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseThat'll break their hearts at the Weekly Standard. Though Ryan had no chance, IMO. He would have been the next Pawlenty, and the previous one didn't do so swell.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseThank God.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI had been waiting and hoping that he would get in the race for all of the reasons already discussed. Now that this horse is not running, Romney gets my vote and my dollars.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseThis still won't stop the weekly standard and national review from posting "Will Paul Ryan run?" stories every three to four weeks.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbusePoor Karl Rove. He's running out of options of who to get into the race in order to beat Rick Perry. It's not a coincidence that this talk of Paul Ryan (and Chris Christie) really kicked into gear right after Perry announced his run.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseProbably for the best, but I would have liked him to be engaged in the debate.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseYou're not alone by holding that sentiment RTP.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI am sorely disappointed. Ryan would have eaten Obama alive in a debate. Further, I believe he genuinely believes in this country and the opportunities it offers, if government stays out of the way. In brief, I believe he is a true patriot and as close to a statesman as we have seen in many years. I remain hopeful about his presidential chances in the future. We need him.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseLet's get Mr Ryan to coach the Republican nominee, to engage in mock debates. His skills and command of facts can be learned.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseThis sucks! We're talking about another Reagan here. Then again ... Obama is so awful, we may not need our top gun.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI continue to be absolutely baffled by this sentiment. The man is going to be a very formidable candidate. Even with his 39% approval rating, he constantly drums specific Republican candidates.
People on the right do themselves no favors when they delude themselves into think Obama's incumbency and money advantage mean nothing...
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseThere is absolutely nothing the MSM can do to talk-up this economy between now and 11/2012.
There is absolutely nothing BHO can do to dodge the blame for it.
Talk about baffling... why all the deference to The One? The only thing BHO is missing is a good ol' fashioned Malaise Speech. Give him time. He'll get around to it...unless he decides to have Bill Clinton give it for him.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseToo bad. While Ryan is doing great work in the House, there is nobody better suited to pitch the urgency and detailed implementation of entitlement reforms from the White House. It's now or never on addressing the "third rail of politics." And Ryan could continue to drive the budget process from the White House. Granted, he probably wouldn't have as much time for the detailed work where he really shines.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseRyan isn't running. Christie isn't running. The only one who might get in at this point is Palin, but she'll only split the Bachman vote, at best. It's down to Perry vs. Romney, which is starting to look a lot like Reagan vs. Bush I (1980). Either one would beat Obama. Hell, a ham sandwich would beat Obama at this point.
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