Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) has announced that he will not run for President in 2016. Instead, he will instead focus on his role as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.
Ryan, who had ran with Mitt Romney as his running mate in 2012, gained national attention with his budget plans that restructured the federal government’s welfare programs. In October of last year, Ryan told HuffPost Live that if Romney were to run, “I would not.” Over the weekend, news broke that Mitt Romney is considering a third run at the Presidency. In addition, it is said that Romney plans on emphasizing poverty in a hypothetical run which is also a key issue of Ryan’s.
Rep. Paul Ryan’s Statement:
“After giving it a lot of thought, I’ve decided not to run for president. Our work at the House Ways and Means Committee over the next few years will be crucial to moving America forward, and my job as Chairman deserves undivided attention.
“It’s clear our country needs a change in direction. And our party has a responsibility to offer a real alternative. So I’m going to do what I can to lay out conservative solutions and to help our nominee lead us to victory.
“I want to thank everyone who encouraged me to run. Their words and continued support have been deeply humbling. And most of all I want to thank the people of Wisconsin for giving me the opportunity to serve our country.”