MADISON (WKOW) -- Republican congressman Paul Ryan told 27 News he would consider becoming GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney's vice presidential running mate, but said the possibility has yet to present itself.
After an appearance at a republican fundraiser for a state assemblyman Friday, Ryan at first deflected questions about a potential vice presidential candidacy.
Later, Ryan said it's a bridge to be crossed at an appropriate time.
"If the bridge ever presents itself, then my wife and I will discuss whether to cross it or not."
Ryan plans to join Romney when Romney campaigns in Janesville Monday at a factory.
Ryan said Governor Walker's recent observations that Romney needs to offer more than just the party affiliation "R" after his name to earn the support of Wisconsin and the nation's voters were an accurate assessment.
"We're trying to say, here's how you prevent a debt crisis, save programs like Medicare, get the economy growing , reform the tax code. That's what Scott's talking about. It's not enough just to run against the other guy. You need to offer solutions to the country's problems."
Ryan said he believes Romney's candidacy is on the rise. A recent Rasmussen poll of likely voters in Wisconsin found Romney with a slight lead over President Obama for the first time.
A group of activist catholic nuns will also be in Janesville next week to confront Ryan's federal budget plan, and Ryan's stated claim his Catholic principles are consistent with his policy proposal. Ryan's budget proposal includes a free-market tilt and significant belt-tightening.
On MSNBC, Sister Simone Campbell said Ryan omitted a core faith principal of fortifying the safety net for the poor.
"These are matters of prudential judgment for those of us who are lay Catholics," Ryan told 27 News.
"I think a debt crisis hurts the poor."
Romney's Monday campaign appearance will be in one of the few counties to favor democratic challenger Tom Barrett in Walker's recent, resounding recall vote victory.
Ryan said Rock County has always trended democratic, but has played host to presidents and presidential candidates throughout its history.
