Local reaction to Paul Ryan selection

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY/AP) - Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney has selected Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan as his Vice Presidential running mate.

Romney's campaign made the official announcement at 7:30 a.m. Saturday moments before he took to the podium at Nauticus in Norfolk. USS Wisconsin, berthed at the museum, was their bunting-draped backdrop, a symbol of the nation's military strength as well as an obvious reference to Ryan's home state.

Photos: Mitt Romney campaigns in Norfolk

Ryan, a rising star of the Conservative Party, currently serves as chair of the House Budget Committee, and has gained attention with his "Roadmap for America's Future."

In the campaign to come, Republicans will present economic solutions "that are bold, specific and achievable," Romney said as he presented his political partner. "We offer our commitment to create 12 million new jobs and bring better take home pay to middle class families."

There was one unscripted moment, when Romney mistakenly introduced Ryan as the next president. He returned to the podium to say , "Every now and then I'm known to make a mistake. I didn't make a mistake with this guy. But I can tell you this, he is going to be the next vice president of the United States."

Appearing for the first time as Mitt Romney's running mate, Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan is attacking President Barack Obama for what he calls a "record of failure."

"I am deeply excited and honored to join you as your running mate," Ryan said in his first words at the podium . His remarks were prepared for delivery at the first public appearance of the new GOP ticket. He said that together, Republicans would eliminate the country's "debt, doubt and despair."

The seven-term congressman says Obama has led the "worst economic recovery in 70 years." He notes that unemployment has been above 8 percent for more than three years -- the longest stretch since the Great Depression.

Ryan, the architect of a controversial budget plan, is promising not to "duck the tough issues." And he says he has the courage to tell the truth.

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In making his pick, Romney bypassed other potential running mates, including Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell.

Officials said he had called all four to notify them of his decision.

Romney is quoted as saying “I’m very supportive of the Ryan budget plan. It's a bold and exciting effort on his part and on the part of the Republicans and it's very much consistent with what I put out earlier” March 20 in Chicago.

Romney will be passing through four key battleground states in the coming days, including Florida, Ohio and North Carolina.

Ryan's selection -- as well as Romney's own nomination -- will be ratified by delegates to the Republican National Convention that begins on Aug. 27 in Tampa, Fla.