VP candidate Ryan speaks in Indy

Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., begged Indiana to “send us Richard Mourdock” and talked economic issues during his first campaign stop in Indiana on Monday.

Ryan addressed 130 people during a fundraising event at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Indianapolis.

Guests paid $1,000 for the reception and $10,000 for the reception and a photo opportunity with the candidate.

“Please, please send us Richard Mourdock,” Ryan said. “We need this man in the United States Senate. Please help us.”

State Treasurer Mourdock is the Indiana Republican nominee for United States Senate. Mourdock unseated long-time senior Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., to win May’s Republican primary. 

Ryan said the Senate hasn’t passed a budget in three years.

“They’d rather not show you the kind of tax increases that are necessary to fund the size of government they have in store,” Ryan said. “You can’t fix that unless you change the leadership of the United States Senate, unless you send us Richard Mourdock.”

Among those also in attendance were Mourdock, Representative and Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Pence, R-6th District, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Lt. Governor Becky Skillman.

Pence introduced Ryan and spoke of the friendship they developed in the conservative caucus in the House.

Pence said “there is no one who knows this budget better” than Ryan.

Pence added there was “almost nothing I don’t like about Paul Ryan other than that preoccupation with the Green Bay Packers.”

He said he has seen Ryan’s character and it makes him the right choice for vice president.

“He is in his heart of hearts a good and decent man,” Pence said.

Ryan spoke about economic issues at home and abroad, and said a change is necessary to prevent “a debt crisis not unlike what Europe is experiencing.”

Ryan also spoke about his running mate, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney.

Ryan said Romney offers the right leadership at the right time.

“Here in the midwest, we appreciate leadership,” Ryan said. “We appreciate people who are candid, honest...that’s what Mitt Romney is.”

Ryan said he’d driven I-65 and I-70 numerous times and had many friends in Indiana.

“It’s a state that understands honesty, that understands hard work, that understands entrepreneurship, that understands risk-taking, that understands opportunity. And it’s a state where we need your help,” Ryan said.

­— Claire Wiseman