Catholic Groups Excited About Paul Ryan as VP Running Mate

Politics   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Aug 14, 2012   |   11:22AM   |   Washington, DC

Mitt Romney’s weekend selection of pro-life Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin as his vice-presidential running mate sent a wave of excitement through the pro-life and conservative political communities.

That energy and enthusiasm for the Romney-Ryan ticket as it takes on pro-abortion President Barack Obama reverberated throughout the Catholic community as well — with numerous politically-minded Catholic groups praising Romney for his selection.

“I am personally impressed with Rep. Ryan as a politician and as a man — especially for his prudence and honesty in facing the clear and present threats to our nation posed by our exploding national debt and deficits,” writes Thomas Peters of Catholic Vote. “Second, I am excited to have a strongly pro-life, pro-marriage, practicing Catholic on the Republican ticket. I am also impressed with Mitt Romney that he would choose someone of such fine character as Paul Ryan to be his running mate.”

“I can’t think of a better pick when it comes to defeating the HHS Mandate, repealing Obamacare and setting America back on the path to prosperity,” Peters continued. “Let’s all of us right now re-commit to helping elect Romney and Ryan on November 6th.”

At the National Catholic Register, Ryan is getting applause for his Catholic worldview when it comes to issues that matter to pro-life voters, saying he is a “budget-cruncher who cites Catholic social teaching as an inspiration for his own economic thinking.”

“I am thrilled with the selection of Ryan,” Catholic theologian Michael Novak said, “because it emphasizes family, character and a vision that is on the offense against President Obama and that sees Obama as destroying the country’s military and financial structure and pitting class against class.”

“As a smart, serious Catholic, Congressman Ryan has been steadfast on issues of fundamental principle — defending religious liberty, life and traditional marriage,” The Catholic Association said in a press release.

Deacon Keith Fournier, a leading pro-life Catholic activist, was also elated with the Ryan selection and said he was impressive in his speech accepting the position as Romney’s running mate.

“I believe Mitt Romney is correct in his assessment of this gifted man. He is a talented public servant, a truly good family man, a faithful, genuinely Pro-Life Catholic and, as I found out today, much, much more,” Fournier said. “This man is a tremendous communicator. I have never heard him speak in public and I was truly impressed.”

He continued: “When Governor Romney called Congressman Ryan up to the podium, he mistakenly referred to him as “the next President of the United States”. He quickly returned to correct the gaffe. However, as Congressman Ryan spoke, I actually wondered if the mistake may someday prove to have been accurate. Ryan’s sincerity, down to earth demeanor, warmth and believability reminded me of a young Ronald Reagan. This man is a gifted communicator. … The first decision made by the 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney,choosing Paul Ryan as his running mate, was bold and brilliant. I know there are many who will disagree with me.”

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“The spin has already begun, even in Catholic circles. Part of that spin will be to attempt to argue that Paul Ryan, as a Catholic, does not support the social doctrine of his own Church. I contend that assessment is inaccurate. Clearly, he is unquestionably Pro-Life and Pro-Marriage and family. He is also a strong defender of the first freedom, religious freedom,” he concluded.