Does Ryan Help Romney in Pa?

GOP vice presidential pick has local politicians, pundits and voters weighing the odds

The mystery surrounding mitt Romney’s running mate has been solved , with the weekend announcement and introduction of Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan.

The choice has launched a new round of speculation about the Romney-Paul ticket will mean in those tight swing states, like Pa.

Despite the fact some polls show Pres. Barack Obama with a seven point lead in Pa., the Keystone State. is still considered a toss-up.

Just what Ryan’s candidacy means to voters depends on which voters you talk to.

"I think he's done super things for how young he is,” said small business owner Donna Parisi.

Parisi is talking about Paul Ryan, the GOP congressman from Wisconsin who is today Mitt Romney’s choice to be the next vice president of the U.S.

On South 5th Street in Philadelphia, Republicans were singing his praises on Monday.

“He's very fiscally conservative,” said Parisi. “And I think that's what we need in the country today'.

On South Broad Street, Democratic congressional candidates were taking Paul him to task for his economic political positions.

“It is going to be devastating for America,” said Manan Trivedi, the Democratic nominee in the Pa. Sixth District congressional race.

But local Democrats and Republicans agree that Paul Ryan's addition to the Republican ticket will help the election process.

"We don't have to say the candidates are the same -- they are not,” said political analyst Jeff Jubelirer.

Don Adams, Independence Hall Tea Party PAC President says Ryan’s entry in the race guarantees support by most in the Tea Party.

"I think that right is very interested in getting our fiscal house in order, Adams said."

Emma Burkhart, a new mom from Center City says Ryan’s strong opposition to federal funding for Planned Parenthood turns her off.

"I wasn't particularly inclined to support Romney’s campaign in the first place,” said Burkhart. “But this makes me even less inclined to do so."

Jubelirer says Ryan’s candidacy has made the voters’ choice clear -- but here in Pa. it may have made the election even tighter.

"What you're really fighting over in this campaign, five percent, maybe, six percent of the electorate, independents, who aren’t sure which way they’re going to go,” Jubelirer said.

The Republican National Convention begins in two weeks. The Decision 2012 general election is Nov. 6.

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