Contact: Alec Zimmerman
(608) 257-4765
[Madison, WI] — Brad Courtney, Chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, released the following statement regarding Speaker Paul Ryan’s announcement that he would not pursue re-election in 2018:
“I first met Paul Ryan at the house of Waukesha County Chairman Don Taylor in 1998. He was and still is one of the most classy, down-to-earth people you will ever meet – treating everyone with dignity. Whether it was serving as Mitt Romney’s Vice Presidential nominee, chairing two committees, or most recently as Speaker, Paul Ryan has accomplished things that have made us incredibly proud.
“Paul Ryan has been a passionate advocate for Wisconsin and a dedicated public servant for two decades. A tireless fighter for conservative principles, Paul was an ideas guy who was always fighting for hard-working Wisconsin families. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Paul for everything he has done for Wisconsin and the Republican Party.
“Wisconsin Republicans are committed to keeping this Congressional seat and I am confident that our eventual nominee will uphold Paul Ryan’s legacy of principled, conservative leadership.”
Kim Travis, Chair of the First District Republican Party, added the following:
“Paul has been a friend, a leader, and a phenomenal representative for Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District, so today’s announcement is very much bittersweet. We appreciate his decades of service to his district and his unwavering dedication to fight on our behalf. We were honored to have Paul represent us in the House of Representatives for the past twenty years and wish him and his family well as they look forward to a new chapter in January.
“Republicans in Southern Wisconsin are united both in their respect for Paul Ryan and in their commitment to electing another capable conservative who can represent us in Congress.”
