1st Congressional District Remains Ryan Territory
He's not going to be vice president, but the congressman from Janesville came out the clear winner in his re-election bid for U.S. House.
Despite a solid effort and backing from local Democratic parties, challenger Rob Zerban fell short Tuesday in his effort to unseat U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan in the race for the 1st Congressional District.
It was pretty crowded at the UAW hall in Kenosha by 9 p.m., where local Democrats, including Zerban and 22nd Distric State Senator Bob Wirch, were awaiting results.
The crowd cheered every time another Democrat was shown as a projected winner on the screens tuned to political coverage, but when it came down to it, the Ryan campaign machine proved too much.
According to our media partners at Fox 6 News, at 9:46 p.m. Ryan was up by a nearly 2-to-1 margin; 62 to 36 percent, with 20 percent of precincts reporting.
At about 10 p.m., the Associated Press declared Ryan the winner. At that point, Ryan had 59 percent of the vote to Zerban's 39 percent.
At the Kenosha County Democrats' party, Zerban thanked supporters for their unwavering dedication.
"I am disappointed to tell you that we did not prevail tonight against Paul Ryan, but I am so proud of the race we ran and all that we have accomplished," he said. "I have been blown away by all the support."
Zerban also addressed the re-election of President Barack Obama.
"The American people have voted for four more years of progress, and we should all celebrate that," he said.
Patch is waiting for a statement from Ryan's campaign, and we will update this story when we receive it.
Dirk Gutzmiller
8:48 am on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Ryan kept his day job as his safety net in case he lost as the VP candidate. Tammy tossed hers. .
Who is personally more resolute, the more courageous, the greater risk taker?
Greg
11:43 am on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
I don't know what you are trying to say, but the position you took is stupid. (1) Baldwin was not running for Vice President. (2) Ryan could not have gotten off of the ballot if he wanted to. (3) It would be the norm not the exception to do as Ryan did. (4) It worked.
Are you stupid enough to think that Paul Ryan should have given up his seat over a year ago in hope that he would get picked to be on the Romney ticket?
GearHead
4:13 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Paul Ryan was re-elected because he ran on his record. Obama and Baldwin were elected because they ran from their records.
So who is more resolute, again?
Heather Romano
9:09 am on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
I think it is a testament to Paul Ryan that he is able to still prevail despite losing the VP race. Paul Ryan should be a model to all other politicians on how dedication to your voters and not giving in to dirty politics will undoubtedly win the favor of your supporters. With how politics are now, it is refreshing to have a figure like Paul Ryan win for his platforms, not by the work of his minions.
Keith R. Deschler
5:43 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
I congratulate Paul Ryan on his win, and on Rob Zerban for running a spirited campaign. It was a lot of fun this time,running for a much higher office than state assembly, but also a lot of hard work, and a lot of lessons learned on the fly. Y would have done better if i had the exposure of at least one debate with Ryan and Zerban, along with having a few state assembly candidates to help me out(they didn't get on the ballot for various reasons). Still keeping the Congress site up for a bit, and am unsure about another run. Will have to get a lot more help from party members to consider another run. At least we presented voters with a smaller government alternative for Congress.
James R Hoffa
6:38 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
@Mr. Deschler -
Your commitment to your ideology and party is commendable - perhaps one day more people will actually look your way before heading to the polls.
Best of luck in the future to you!
Keith R. Deschler
7:15 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
thanks JR...we made a lot of headway this time, but much more needs to be done, and I won't back down, as Tom Petty sings....