Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan has decided against a run for the U.S. Senate. In a statement issued Tuesday morning, Ryan said he is grateful for the tremendous outpouring of encouragement from people urging him to run for the Senate. However, the Janesville Republican says he can have the greatest impact on addressing the nation’s debt crisis by remaining in the House as Chairman of the Budget Committee.
Ryan says he wants to keep building on the progress Republicans have made by continuing to represent the state’s First Congressional District.
Ryan quickly jumped to the front of the pack of possible GOP candidates looking to replace retiring Senator Herb Kohl, who announced last week he would not run again in 2012. Others reportedly considering a run include former Governor Tommy Thompson and former Congressman Mark Neumann.