Ohio Republicans and Democrats Say Paul Ryan Pick Will Help Their Own Party

Republicans and Democrats in Ohio are both happy that Paul Ryan is Mitt Romney's Vice Presidential candidate, according to results of Patch's latest Red/Blue Northeast Ohio survey.

Republicans say that Paul, the architect of the GOP's budget vision, will strengthen Romney's conservative bona fides and provide an articulate vision for a conservative alternative to Barack Obama.

Meanwhile, Democrats say Ryan will allow Obama and allies to better pin Romney with wanting helping advance the cause of the rich over the poor and middle class and provide a strong attack line on the Medicare cuts envisioned in Ryan's budget.

Insiders from both parties say that Ryan will help galvanize their own party in Ohio, and were united in believing the pick will give voters, especially coveted undecided voters, a more clear choice.

"Most Democrats and Republicans have made up their minds," said one Democratic insider. "This is about independents and fear is a strong motivator."

Republican responses showed their excitement for their new second-in-command.

"Now let's get to WORK!" said one insider.

"Two men with a plan. How excellent! Maybe America has a chance of not becoming like Europe." said another Republican.

While responses from Democrats suggest they are eager to begin criticizing Ryan's -- and now Romney's -- ideas, especially concerning Medicare and lowering taxes for the wealthy.

"We have an aging population in Ohio," said a Democrat insider. "The people of Ohio do not want to lose Social Security benefits or have Medicare impaired. Ryan will push Ohioans to Obama."

"Obama's assertion that Romney is Robin Hood in reverse (giving to the rich and taking from vulnerable groups...the elderly, students, middle class) gains credence," said another.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Will the choice of Paul Ryan help the Republicans or the Democrats?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Patch will be conducting Red Northeast Ohio and Blue Northeast Ohio surveys throughout the election eason in hopes of determining the true sentiment of Republicans and Democrats on the ground in Ohio.

Our surveys are not a scientific random sample of any larger population but rather an effort to listen to a swath of influential local Republicans and Democrats. All of these individuals have agreed to participate in the surveys, although not all responded to this week's questions. Surveys were conducted between July 10 and July 16, 2012.
 
If you are an activist, party leader or elected official and would like to take part in a weekly surveys that lasts just a few minutes, please email Senior Regional Editor Jean Dubail at jean.dubail@patch.com