FALSE ALARM
Paul Ryan Won’t Run in 2012
Carolyn Kaster / AP Photo
In this April 13, 2011 file photo, House Budget Committee Chairman, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis. gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. Unlikely as it may seem, President Barack Obama and Republicans in Congress actually do share some common ground on the need to curb Medicare costs. Embedded in both the House GOP plan to replace Medicare with a voucher-like system and in Obama's counter-proposal is the idea of putting a limit on the growth of the $500-billion program, and making sure it sticks.
After a week of rumors that Paul Ryan was considering entering the 2012 presidential race, the Wisconsin Republican congressman confirmed in a statement today that he will not run. “I sincerely appreciate the support from those eager to chart a brighter future for the next generation,” he said, adding that he is still “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.” As the House Budget Committee chairman, Ryan is a staunch conservative and has previously said he’s not satisfied with the current GOP candidates.