Ryan Still a Serious House Candidate?

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Democrats say they are enthused about winning the race in Wisconsin’s First Congressional District, especially now that incumbent Republican Paul Ryan is also running for vice president of the United States.

While First District Democratic candidate Rob Zerban says he would prefer that Rep. Ryan drop out of the House race, Zerban acknowledges the state constitution allows Ryan to run for both Congress and vice president. Zerban told a rally on Saturday that he thinks he can win the House contest.

Zerban says Ryan will be running a national campaign and will not spend much or any time in the first district trying to win the House race. Zerban also believes more first district residents will hear about flaws in Ryan’s high-profile plan to cut the federal budget.

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The liberal group, One Wisconsin Now, says Ryan should pick just one contest, as long as he is also collecting his Congressional salary. Ryan for Congress spokesperson Kevin Seifert says Ryan will run in both races, and rely on people in the first district knowing him well. However, Seifert says it is still unclear as to whether Ryan will take part in any Congressional campaign forums or make speeches as a first district candidate.