LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan made his first stop in Las Vegas Tuesday as the presumptive Republican candidate for vice president.
Ryan spoke to about 2,500 voters for roughly 15 minutes at Palo Verde High School in Las Vegas, addressing the economy and taking aim at President Barack Obama.
"We are going to offer optimism and opportunity. We have a president who, like a lot of people in Washington, (is) more worried about the next election than the next generation," Ryan said.
Ryan told those gathered the economic statistics for the Silver State are mindboggling.
"11.6 percent (unemployment) in Nevada. You deserve better than that," he said.
Ryan promised voters that he and Mitt Romney have real solutions. He said America needs to take advantage of all types of energy, improve trade, keep jobs in the U.S. and teach people the skills they need to get those jobs.
Ryan said Obama's "tax and spend" policies are hurting every single generation, especially the younger ones.
"It is our duty to save the American dream for our children and get this debt and deficit under control and stop spending money we don't have," he said.
FOX5 spoke to voters who say Ryan was the perfect pick for VP candidate.
"He's so good. He's so articulate," supporter Anastacia Boehm said.
"I believe pretty much every single word that he said," 19-year-old Kristen Sell added.
Voter Mara Glaser believes Ryan has provided the GOP ticket with new energy.
"I feel very optimistic about our future now," Glaser said.
Ryan said he and Romney would turn things around and the American recovery could start as soon as Election Day, Nov. 6.
Following the rally, Ryan attended a fundraising event at The Venetian with casino owner and frequent GOP donor Sheldon Adelson and others.
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Elizabeth Watts/FOX5
