Ind. Republicans react to Romney's pick

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -- In the wake of Mitt Romney's pick of Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin as his vice presidential running mate , local Republicans are praising the presidential nominee's choice.

NewsChannel 15 caught up with Congressman Marlin Stutzman at a rally Saturday morning, where he expressed nothing but positive feelings about Romney's pick.

"I'm thrilled that Mitt Romney picked Paul Ryan as his vice presidential nominee," said Congressman Stutzman.  "He's a Midwestern guy, that's what I like. He's real, he's sincere, he has three children that are approximately our sons' age, and to me that means a lot, because I'm looking out for my kids' future and I know that he'll be doing the same."

Congressman Ryan is the chairman of the Budget Committee, which Congressman Stutzman serves on.  Their work together has made Stutzman believe Ryan is a great pick to navigate tricky issues concerning Social Security and Medicare.

"We want to protect Social Security and Medicare for those who have paid into it, but it's going to look different for younger generations like myself and my children," Stutzman said.  "And we need to be willing to have the political boldness to make those changes, but at the same time make sure that my grandparents, my parents are getting the services that they paid in for as well.  He has a great understanding of that."

Allen County Chairman Steve Shine said Romney's decision shows he is ready to make the number one issue in November's election the economy.

"Romney is serious about taking care of the economy, and taking care of a society that has really suffered as a result of government spending," Shine said.

Before the announcement of Romney's running mate, Shine was confident Indiana would be a Republican state during the 2012 general election.  The announcement of Congressman Ryan joining Romney increased Shine's confidence in that.

"I was pretty certain about the positive chances of Mitt Romney in November, with or without Paul Ryan," Shine said.  "But I think Paul Ryan helps solidify that."

Meanwhile, Republican nominee for governor of Indiana Mike Pence released the following as part of a statement Saturday morning.

"I have known and worked with Paul Ryan for the past twelve years and count him as a personal friend.  Paul has the character, intellect and optimistic vision our next president will need at his side to turn this economy around and put Hoosiers back to work.  Paul Ryan also possesses an understanding of the federal budget that our next administration will need to restore fiscal solvency and save future generations of Americans from massive deficits and debt."

Senator Dan Coats also released a statement Saturday on the Romney-Ryan pairing, saying the following:

"One of the most important decisions a presidential candidate can make is choosing the right running mate.  Governor Romney's decision to add Paul Ryan to the ticket focuses this election on two different visions for America.  The Romney-Ryan ticket demonstrates a commitment to offer bold solutions to some of our nation's greatest challenges, including the critical need to reform entitlement programs.  Paul Ryan is a proven leader willing to make the tough decisions, offer sound solutions and put the country ahead of politics to restore our economy for future generations."