TYLER (KYTX) - Romney has chosen his running mate for the white house. His Vice Presidential candidate is Wisconsin Congressman Ryan Paul.
Many East Texas conservatives are thrilled with Romney's decision. They think Rep. Paul Ryan has what it takes to help win the election. Some however, don't support his controversial fiscal policies.
Smith County Republican Chairman Ashton Oravetz applauds the decision. "He's straightforward and very articulate and I think he's an excellent choice.
Oravetz says the choice will enthuse the conservative voters - many who have doubted Romney in the past.
"He needs that because who's going to win this election is the most people out to vote so you need the base conservative activated and going door to door and making calls and that sort of thing," Oravetz says.
Ryan is most known for his bold budget proposal, which would drastically reduce programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and reduce taxes for the wealthy.
"The one thing, he doesn't avoid controversy. For example, a lot of people didn't like some things in his budget proposal, he said 'We have to do this. We're going bankrupt.'"
Ryan's budget proposal is controversial, and has put East Texans on both side of the fence.
Jim Bretell from Tyler supports Ryan, saying, "I think it's indicative of what we can do in the country and get this country back on track again."
Darell Choice on the other hand, says, "I don't think it's a good choice. Everybody has their own opinions, but when push comes to shove we'll find out what's going to happen in the long run."
Romney applauds Ryan's budget plan but tells the public he wants to find a healthy balance. Oravetz thinks the Romney-Ryan ticket will get big back up from the people of East Texas.
"I think you will have smiles today," he says.
Either way, the candidate's VP choice has both sides riled up. Democrats are already targeting Paul Ryan's fiscal policies, saying he puts millionaires first, and the middle class last. To that, Ryan says, just wait until election day.
Romney is now on a tour through major media markets in four battleground states Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, and Ohio.
