It's official: Romney chooses Ryan as VP pick

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Associated Press

Story Created: Sat Aug 11, 2012 8:10 AM

Story Updated: Sat Aug 11, 2012 1:34 PM

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - Appearing for the first time as Mitt Romney's running mate, Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan is attacking President Barack Obama for what he calls a "record of failure."

The seven-term congressman says Obama has led the "worst economic recovery in 70 years." He notes that unemployment has been above 8 percent for more than three years - the longest stretch since the Great Depression.

He spoke in remarks prepared for delivery at the first public appearance of the new GOP ticket.

Ryan, the architect of a controversial budget plan, is promising not to "duck the tough issues." And he says he has the courage to tell the truth.