Local GOP and Tea Party leaders react to Ryan being named Romney's VP

PRICE HILL, Oh - The Chairman of the Hamilton County GOP and Cincinnati Tea Party President watched together as Mitt Romney officially announced his Presidential running mate Saturday morning.

It was a typical day at Price Hill Chili.  Hungry customers strolling in for a nice breakfast, but for Hamilton County GOP Chairman Alex Triantafilou, and Cincinnati Tea Party President, George Brunemann they were waiting to hear for the first time from Mitt Romney who would be his running mate in the Presidential race.

They both knew it was Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), but Mitt Romney had yet to tell why he was the choice.  Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), had been a front-runner for the role, and he was being rooted on by many republicans in Hamilton County and across Ohio.

It was not to be though.  That doesn’t bother either of these men though.  In fact, Brunemann thinks it’s better for Romney’s chances in November.

“I think Rob (Portman) would have been a great thing for Hamilton County, but nationwide, I think (Paul) Ryan, is a much better choice.  Rob is a fantastic guy, he’s been with the Tea Party groups for a while.  He’s helped our local one quite a bit, but I think Ryan because of his fiscal conservatism, and he actually has a plan,” said Brunemann.

“What Rob Portman did here, did our state proud.  He was a real leader, continues to be a leader for our party, but Representative Ryan went to the University of Miami (Oh), just up the road here.  He has a real plan and will demonstrate serious leadership on the issues that matter the most.  So, this is an outstanding choice for Ohioans because they care about the future,” said Triantafilou.

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