DANVILLE —
Other than his family, who should know Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan than his workout buddy?
Ryan, a spectacularly fit 42, has become known for his rigorous workout routine – a program called P90X – as well as for his budget proposals and his selection by Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney as a running mate.
U.S. Rep. Aaron Shock, R-Ill., says he meets Ryan every morning at 6:30 a.m. for a tough workout before they leave for a meeting of the House Ways and Means Committee.
“Paul is a great and close personal friend,” Shock said Thursday afternoon in advance of Ryan’s faceoff with Democratic incumbent Vice President Joe Biden at Center College. “But he’s also a mentor. I know he’s looking forward to his debate.”
Shock acknowledges there’s a bit of extra pressure on Ryan in his first debate on a national stage, and with Biden, a veteran debater after 36 years in the Senate and himself a candidate for president in the 2008 Democratic primary. Many observers thought Biden out-debated then candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in those 2008 debates.
“Anytime it’s your first national debate, on a national stage like this will be and the other guy’s had 19 debates, then I think that’s a disadvantage for Paul,” said Shock who at 31 is the youngest member of Congress.
That doesn’t imply Ryan will not do well. Ryan knows the issues and knows in detail the federal budget, Shock said.
“Both men are capable campaigners and both are good communicators,” Shock said. “Paul will do fine.”
One thing Shock wants Ryan to do is seize the opportunity to respond to efforts by Democrats to characterize Ryan as extreme on budget proposals that would significantly cut back domestic programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Those budget proposals, Shock said, won’t be the final package approved by Congress, regardless of who wins this year’s presidential election.
“It’s a starting point – really it’s the only one out there,” Shock said. “What’s the alternative the other side is offering? I haven’t seen one.”
RONNIE ELLIS writes for CNHI News Service and is based in Frankfort. Reach him at rellis@cnhi.com. Follow CNHI News Service stories on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cnhifrankfort.
Local News
Paul Ryan takes physically fitness seriously
- Local News
-
-
Nature in balance
The landscapes of Greenup County’s W-Hollow inspired many of Jesse Stuart’s novels, poems and short stories. The land, like Stuart’s prolific works, has kept on giving in the years since his death, providing both inspiration and beauty to those who seek them out.
-
Making memories during Memory Days
The sidewalks of Main Street in Grayson were lined well before the start of the Memory Days Parade on Saturday.
-
Serving those who served
-
Bardstown police officer killed
A Bardstown police officer has been shot and killed while driving home from work, according to Kentucky State Police.
-
18 years and running, Adkins’ golf tournament continues to help in fight against cancer
Rocky Adkins is passionate about a lot of things in his life.
Maybe none moreso than the fight against cancer.
Anybody who listened to Adkins’ emotional and heart-felt speech on Friday at Eagle Trace Golf Course would have to agree. -
Carter library's deal closed on Main Street building
Carter County Public Library officials closed the sale Friday on what will be their new Grayson branch on Main Street downtown and proceeded immediately to show it off to some visitors.
Following an impromptu ceremony outside at which former owners Barry and Lisa Stewart of Lexington turned over the keys to board chairwoman Barbara Davis, Davis led a tour of the Houck Building. -
Raceland to ‘kick off summer’ today
People in downtown Raceland want others to visit the city this afternoon for a community celebration, to catch a glimpse of some of the projects under way and visit a few of the places which give the town its own charm and personality.
-
Not guilty plea in death of Boyd baby
A Powell County teenager accused in the beating death of an infant pleaded not guilty to the charge Friday.
Brett T. Thompson, 18, of Stanton was arraigned Friday in Boyd County Court.
Thompson has been indicted in the death of 2-month-old Alivia Noel Worstell of Westwood. He was the boyfriend of the baby’s mother, Heather Worstell, 19. -
Paul plans re-election bid for Senate
Republican Rand Paul will run for re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2016 regardless of any decision to launch a presidential bid. And he will campaign for his Kentucky colleague and Senate Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in 2014.
-
Area woman’s book collection of aviator grandfather’s technical writings
All her life, Barbara Sellers gave much thought to flight.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raw: Train Derails After Overpass Collapse
Raw: Rescues From San Antonio Flooding
Raw: French Soldier Stabbed in Throat Near Paris
Mayor: Person Killed in San Antonio Flooding
Raw: Apple 1 Computer Sells for More Than $650k
Hagel Urges Cadets to End Scourge of Sex Assault
Raw: Gay Rights Activists March in Ukraine
Bus Fire Kills 16 Children, Teacher in Pakistan
Raw: Pakistan Election Results Protested
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
