Mitt Romney names Paul Ryan as running mate

KASIE HUNT NORFOLK, Va. — The Associated Press Published Saturday, Aug. 11 2012, 1:14 AM EDT

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney tapped Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin as his vice presidential running mate for the fall campaign on Saturday, turning to the architect of a conservative and intensely controversial long-term budget plan to remake Medicare and cut trillions in federal spending. Mr. Romney made his announcement to supporters via a phone app. “Mitt's Choice for VP is Paul Ryan,” it said and implored backers to spread the word. The ticket-mates arranged their first joint appearance later in the morning at a naval museum, first stop of a bus tour through four battleground states in as many days. In a statement issued Friday night, Romney's campaign said only that the running mate would be present at 9 a.m. EDT at the Nauticus Museum. The USS Wisconsin is berthed there — offering a hint about Mr. Ryan's selection. Mr. Ryan's selection — as well as Mr. Romney's own nomination — will be ratified by delegates to the Republican National Convention that begins on Aug. 27 in Tampa, Fla.