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Mitt Romney Selects Paul Ryan as His Vice Presidential Running Mate

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Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney with Paul Ryan in front of the USS Wisconsin, August 11, 2012.

Mitt Romney named Paul Ryan, R-Wis., his vice presidential running mate during a campaign stop in Norfolk, Virginia August 11.

At the political rally, Romney, 65, and Ryan, 42, appeared together publicly for the first time in front of the battleship U.S.S. Wisconsin, draped in American-flag bunting. Romney gave his running mate an accidental promotion, introducing him as "the next President of the United States."

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After realizing his gaffe, Romney returned to the podium and put his arm around Ryan. "Every now and then I'm known to make a mistake," Romney explained. "I did not make a mistake with this guy."

It was then Ryan's turn to address the crowd. "I am deeply excited and honored to join you as your running mate," the current House Budget Committee chairman said.

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"Mitt Romney is a leader with the skills, the background and the character that our country needs at a crucial time in its history. Following four years of failed leadership, the hopes of our country, which have inspired the world, are growing dim; and they need someone to revive them," Ryan said. "Governor Romney is the man for this moment; and he and I share one commitment: we will restore the dreams and greatness of this country."

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As an alternative to President Barack Obama's 2012 budget proposal, Ryan introduced a plan, The Path to Prosperity, in April 2011; it recommended making controversial changes to Medicare, like ending its fee-for-service model. He later introduced The Path to Prosperity: A Blueprint for American Renewal in response to Obama's 2012 budget.

Married since 1963, Romney has five children: Taggart, Matthew, Joshua, Benjamin and Craig. His running mate, Ryan, has three children — Elizabeth, Charles and Samuel — with wife Janna Little.

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