1. 10/28/15, 1:28 PMPaul Ryan’s political skills sharpened in cross currents of Wisconsin home - The Washington Post
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Politics
Paul Ryan’s political skills sharpened in cross
currents of Wisconsin home
ByBy Amy GoldsteinAmy Goldstein October 26October 26
JANESVILLE, Wis. —JANESVILLE, Wis. — Rep. Paul Ryan and Rock County Sheriff Bob Spoden live two blocks apart on Janesville’sRep. Paul Ryan and Rock County Sheriff Bob Spoden live two blocks apart on Janesville’s
elegant Courthouse Hill. The congressman is Republican to the core, the sheriff a lifelong Democrat with photoselegant Courthouse Hill. The congressman is Republican to the core, the sheriff a lifelong Democrat with photos
of his political idol — John F. Kennedy — on his office walls.of his political idol — John F. Kennedy — on his office walls.
Still, these neighbors have known each other for decades and hold a mutual respect. They attend the sameStill, these neighbors have known each other for decades and hold a mutual respect. They attend the same
church, and the sheriff’s wife went to high school with the congressman’s older brother. So, during electionchurch, and the sheriff’s wife went to high school with the congressman’s older brother. So, during election
seasons, Ryan and Spoden stake campaign signs for each other on their lawns.seasons, Ryan and Spoden stake campaign signs for each other on their lawns.
Such a rebuff of acrid partisanship co-exists in Ryan alongside a passionate confidence in his own conservativeSuch a rebuff of acrid partisanship co-exists in Ryan alongside a passionate confidence in his own conservative
policy ideas.policy ideas.
These dual tendencies — an ease with people who don’t share his views, while boldly advancing his own beliefs —These dual tendencies — an ease with people who don’t share his views, while boldly advancing his own beliefs —
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have defined Ryan’s style since his political beginnings. It catapulted him, finally, in January into thehave defined Ryan’s style since his political beginnings. It catapulted him, finally, in January into the
chairmanship of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, a role he had coveted for years because of thechairmanship of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, a role he had coveted for years because of the
authority it confers over fiscal matters.authority it confers over fiscal matters.
But now that Ryan has decided to run for House speaker, his political identity, carefully-calibrated to emphasizeBut now that Ryan has decided to run for House speaker, his political identity, carefully-calibrated to emphasize
policy expertise and downplay ideological differences, will be tested as never before.policy expertise and downplay ideological differences, will be tested as never before.
Can a politician who built his reputation on pragmatism and policy become the leader who heals his party byCan a politician who built his reputation on pragmatism and policy become the leader who heals his party by
addressing deep ideological fault lines? Can amiable Ryan be the speaker to quell a rebellion by a renegadeaddressing deep ideological fault lines? Can amiable Ryan be the speaker to quell a rebellion by a renegade
faction within his own party?faction within his own party?
“In ordinary times, he has all the skills to do the job,” said Tim Cullen, a moderate Democrat who is a former“In ordinary times, he has all the skills to do the job,” said Tim Cullen, a moderate Democrat who is a former
Wisconsin state senator from Janesville and has worked with Ryan over the years. “These aren’t ordinary times.”Wisconsin state senator from Janesville and has worked with Ryan over the years. “These aren’t ordinary times.”
Cullen is one of many people in business and politics back home in Wisconsin’s 1st congressional district whoCullen is one of many people in business and politics back home in Wisconsin’s 1st congressional district who
know Ryan well and, in the days before his decision, were nearly uniform in predicting that he would reject theknow Ryan well and, in the days before his decision, were nearly uniform in predicting that he would reject the
job, reasoning that the demands of being speaker and his own priorities were too mismatched.job, reasoning that the demands of being speaker and his own priorities were too mismatched.
But those who know him here also make clear that, Ryan, at 45 and on the cusp of a job second in line ofBut those who know him here also make clear that, Ryan, at 45 and on the cusp of a job second in line of
succession to the presidency, is much the same figure he has always been — in part, a reflection of the communitysuccession to the presidency, is much the same figure he has always been — in part, a reflection of the community
and family in which he grew up.and family in which he grew up.
The Ryans are a big, old family in town — the congressman likes to say that he is “fifth generation Janesville” —The Ryans are a big, old family in town — the congressman likes to say that he is “fifth generation Janesville” —
and one of three known locally as the Irish Mafia for their large role in construction trades. In 2012, when Ryanand one of three known locally as the Irish Mafia for their large role in construction trades. In 2012, when Ryan
was the Republican vice presidential nominee, an older brother, Tobin, told the local newspaper, the Janesvillewas the Republican vice presidential nominee, an older brother, Tobin, told the local newspaper, the Janesville
Gazette, that 45 Ryan cousins lived within four square blocks, and 20 others were elsewhere in town. Some areGazette, that 45 Ryan cousins lived within four square blocks, and 20 others were elsewhere in town. Some are
Democrats.Democrats.
In the 1880s, an earlier generation of Ryans began a local earth-moving business, now named Ryan, Inc., whichIn the 1880s, an earlier generation of Ryans began a local earth-moving business, now named Ryan, Inc., which
has made some of the cousins affluent. His branch of the family went into law. His paternal grandfather washas made some of the cousins affluent. His branch of the family went into law. His paternal grandfather was
appointed by President Calvin Coolidge as U.S. attorney for Wisconsin’s western district. At 58, he was foundappointed by President Calvin Coolidge as U.S. attorney for Wisconsin’s western district. At 58, he was found
dead at home of an apparent heart attack by the congressman’s father.dead at home of an apparent heart attack by the congressman’s father.
History repeated itself. When Ryan was 16, he discovered his father, a member of local law firm dead of a heartHistory repeated itself. When Ryan was 16, he discovered his father, a member of local law firm dead of a heart

3. 10/28/15, 1:28 PMPaul Ryan’s political skills sharpened in cross currents of Wisconsin home - The Washington Post
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attack at 55.attack at 55.
At Joseph A. Craig High School, on the tonier east side of town, Ryan was elected president of his junior class.At Joseph A. Craig High School, on the tonier east side of town, Ryan was elected president of his junior class.
The office made him “Rhett,” the prom king at that year’s “Gone With the Wind”-themed prom. A year later, theThe office made him “Rhett,” the prom king at that year’s “Gone With the Wind”-themed prom. A year later, the
1988 Craig yearbook shows, his senior class voted him the “biggest brown noser.”1988 Craig yearbook shows, his senior class voted him the “biggest brown noser.”
He left Janesville for Miami University of Ohio and a bachelor’s degree in politics and economics. The universityHe left Janesville for Miami University of Ohio and a bachelor’s degree in politics and economics. The university
seal, translated from the Latin, was “to accomplish rather than to be conspicuous.” From college, Ryan moved toseal, translated from the Latin, was “to accomplish rather than to be conspicuous.” From college, Ryan moved to
Washington, where he held internships and Capitol Hill staff positions. He formed important mentoringWashington, where he held internships and Capitol Hill staff positions. He formed important mentoring
relationships, including with the late Jack Kemp, a congressman and member of President George H.W. Bush’srelationships, including with the late Jack Kemp, a congressman and member of President George H.W. Bush’s
Cabinet, who favored low taxes and changes in immigration policy — positions his protege embraces to this day.Cabinet, who favored low taxes and changes in immigration policy — positions his protege embraces to this day.
Ryan had not lived in Janesville much since high school when in 1997, at 27, he approached Brian Christianson,Ryan had not lived in Janesville much since high school when in 1997, at 27, he approached Brian Christianson,
who was just leaving his job as field director for the National Republican senatorial campaign committee, to saywho was just leaving his job as field director for the National Republican senatorial campaign committee, to say
that he wanted to move home and run for an open congressional seat.that he wanted to move home and run for an open congressional seat.
“He was young but razor sharp,” Christianson, now a campaign and corporate consultant, recalls of that first“He was young but razor sharp,” Christianson, now a campaign and corporate consultant, recalls of that first
conversation. “He knew his own strengths and weaknesses: that he’s much more of a policy wonk than a politicalconversation. “He knew his own strengths and weaknesses: that he’s much more of a policy wonk than a political
pundit.”pundit.”
Still, Christianson recalls that he was ambivalent until he got a call from then-Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thomson,Still, Christianson recalls that he was ambivalent until he got a call from then-Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thomson,
whose personal attorney had been a partner of Ryan’s late father.whose personal attorney had been a partner of Ryan’s late father.
For months after Ryan announced his candidacy, the campaign worked from the walkout basement of anotherFor months after Ryan announced his candidacy, the campaign worked from the walkout basement of another
lawyer in town. Ryan’s mother, Betty, was the office manager. His brother, Tobin, was the coalitions director, andlawyer in town. Ryan’s mother, Betty, was the office manager. His brother, Tobin, was the coalitions director, and
his sister-in-law, Oakleigh, was volunteer director. The first person who had agreed to become campaignhis sister-in-law, Oakleigh, was volunteer director. The first person who had agreed to become campaign
manager changed his mind.manager changed his mind.
Ryan, Christianson said, proved remarkably disciplined and supremely confident about his ideas. He was diligentRyan, Christianson said, proved remarkably disciplined and supremely confident about his ideas. He was diligent
at fundraising calls and by spring, he had a campaign platform that has embodied his fiscal views ever since: aat fundraising calls and by spring, he had a campaign platform that has embodied his fiscal views ever since: a
Paycheck Protection Plan.Paycheck Protection Plan.
That summer, publishing executive Steve Forbes, then a recent and future presidential candidate, came to townThat summer, publishing executive Steve Forbes, then a recent and future presidential candidate, came to town
to host a fundraiser for Ryan. As the pair were seated together, at Lake Lawn resort in a small town east of here, ato host a fundraiser for Ryan. As the pair were seated together, at Lake Lawn resort in a small town east of here, a

4. 10/28/15, 1:28 PMPaul Ryan’s political skills sharpened in cross currents of Wisconsin home - The Washington Post
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reporter asked the novice whether he agreed with the “flat tax” central to Forbes’ platform. No, Ryan replied. Hereporter asked the novice whether he agreed with the “flat tax” central to Forbes’ platform. No, Ryan replied. He
would have his own tax plan.would have his own tax plan.
Every Friday during that first campaign, Christianson drew up lists of the district’s most popular fish fries. TheEvery Friday during that first campaign, Christianson drew up lists of the district’s most popular fish fries. The
candidate, a young guy without a girlfriend, would make a solo circuit of the restaurants in his Chevy Tahoe,candidate, a young guy without a girlfriend, would make a solo circuit of the restaurants in his Chevy Tahoe,
manufactured at the General Motors plant that dominated Janesville’s economy.manufactured at the General Motors plant that dominated Janesville’s economy.
At 28 and a political unknown, Christianson said of those Friday night restaurant stops, “that’s easier said thanAt 28 and a political unknown, Christianson said of those Friday night restaurant stops, “that’s easier said than
done. You really need to like people to do that, because you were going to get all kinds of responses, from ‘Whodone. You really need to like people to do that, because you were going to get all kinds of responses, from ‘Who
are you?’ to ‘I’m a Democrat and get away.’’are you?’ to ‘I’m a Democrat and get away.’’
Two years earlier, his Democratic opponent had nearly defeated the GOP incumbent, who was now running forTwo years earlier, his Democratic opponent had nearly defeated the GOP incumbent, who was now running for
the Senate. On Election Day, Ryan won with 57 percent of the vote.the Senate. On Election Day, Ryan won with 57 percent of the vote.
His start was fast and bold. Eight days before his swearing in, Ryan told the Gazette that he already had draftedHis start was fast and bold. Eight days before his swearing in, Ryan told the Gazette that he already had drafted
bills. “The subject of his first legislative offering,” the newspaper wrote, “will be saving the Social Securitybills. “The subject of his first legislative offering,” the newspaper wrote, “will be saving the Social Security
system.”system.”
Thirty-two days after he became a member of the House, he already was giving the Republican radio address,Thirty-two days after he became a member of the House, he already was giving the Republican radio address,
criticizing a then-new Social Security plan of President Bill Clinton, which would have invested some of thecriticizing a then-new Social Security plan of President Bill Clinton, which would have invested some of the
system’s surplus in the stock market. “A far better idea,” the freshman congressman said on the radio, “would besystem’s surplus in the stock market. “A far better idea,” the freshman congressman said on the radio, “would be
to allow individuals and families to make those decisions.”to allow individuals and families to make those decisions.”
From the start, Christianson said: “There was a self-assuredness, there — not intimidated by big people or bigFrom the start, Christianson said: “There was a self-assuredness, there — not intimidated by big people or big
ideas.”ideas.”
Alongside that confidence, though, “he has this natural ability to make you feel listened to,” Spoden, the sheriff,Alongside that confidence, though, “he has this natural ability to make you feel listened to,” Spoden, the sheriff,
said. “He’s a die-hard Republican, but he also realizes there is a bigger picture than partisan politics. He lives insaid. “He’s a die-hard Republican, but he also realizes there is a bigger picture than partisan politics. He lives in
this community . . . and is interested in what you have to say.”this community . . . and is interested in what you have to say.”
Ryan has never seen eye-to-eye with the many United Auto Workers members he represents. In 2000, on anRyan has never seen eye-to-eye with the many United Auto Workers members he represents. In 2000, on an
annual trip to Washington, several dozen of them amassed outside Ryan’s office as a vote neared on whether theannual trip to Washington, several dozen of them amassed outside Ryan’s office as a vote neared on whether the
U.S. should give China most-favored nation trade status — a move that the union opposed.U.S. should give China most-favored nation trade status — a move that the union opposed.

5. 10/28/15, 1:28 PMPaul Ryan’s political skills sharpened in cross currents of Wisconsin home - The Washington Post
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“Normally the Republicans don’t have a warm, cuddly feeling for the UAW when we come to town,” recalled John“Normally the Republicans don’t have a warm, cuddly feeling for the UAW when we come to town,” recalled John
Dohner, Sr., a retired GM autoworker and former president of Janesville’s UAW local. Ryan’s predecessor, Rep.Dohner, Sr., a retired GM autoworker and former president of Janesville’s UAW local. Ryan’s predecessor, Rep.
Mark Neumann, refused to meet with them. But Ryan walked out of his office and told as many of the unionMark Neumann, refused to meet with them. But Ryan walked out of his office and told as many of the union
members as could fit to come inside.members as could fit to come inside.
Stan Milam, a longtime local journalist and talk-radio host, happened to be in Ryan’s Capitol Hill office,Stan Milam, a longtime local journalist and talk-radio host, happened to be in Ryan’s Capitol Hill office,
arranging a visit he was chaperoning for Janesville teenagers, when the union folks arrived. Milam recalled thatarranging a visit he was chaperoning for Janesville teenagers, when the union folks arrived. Milam recalled that
the congressman told the UAW members that he was planning to vote for the trade bill but was glad that they hadthe congressman told the UAW members that he was planning to vote for the trade bill but was glad that they had
come and wanted to hear what they had to say. “That was an indication he could take an angry union group, andcome and wanted to hear what they had to say. “That was an indication he could take an angry union group, and
he diffused all the animosity.”he diffused all the animosity.”
John Beckord, the president of Forward Janesville, the city’s business and economic development alliance,John Beckord, the president of Forward Janesville, the city’s business and economic development alliance,
recalled that, after General Motors announced in 2008 that it would close the city’s assembly plant, Ryan workedrecalled that, after General Motors announced in 2008 that it would close the city’s assembly plant, Ryan worked
closely with the state’s then-Democratic governor, Jim Doyle, to try to reverse the company’s decision. Cullen,closely with the state’s then-Democratic governor, Jim Doyle, to try to reverse the company’s decision. Cullen,
the former state senator, was the co-chairman of the rescue effort along with a UAW local leader. Ryan “wasthe former state senator, was the co-chairman of the rescue effort along with a UAW local leader. Ryan “was
making it clear to GM executives that this was real important to him. It was his hometown,” Beckord said.making it clear to GM executives that this was real important to him. It was his hometown,” Beckord said.
The effort failed — a hard time for Janesville and for a congressman who had joined Congress at anotherThe effort failed — a hard time for Janesville and for a congressman who had joined Congress at another
acrimonious moment, 2 1/2 weeks after a divided House had voted to impeach President Clinton on chargesacrimonious moment, 2 1/2 weeks after a divided House had voted to impeach President Clinton on charges
arising from the scandal involving White House intern Monica Lewinsky.arising from the scandal involving White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
“I’m looking through the current combative climate to the important issues we have to deal with,” Ryan told the“I’m looking through the current combative climate to the important issues we have to deal with,” Ryan told the
Gazette three days before that New Year’s, in words that may be still applicable today, days before the HouseGazette three days before that New Year’s, in words that may be still applicable today, days before the House
votes to install him as speaker of the fractious chamber, a role to which he never aspired. “Hopefully, we’ve hitvotes to install him as speaker of the fractious chamber, a role to which he never aspired. “Hopefully, we’ve hit
rock bottom.”rock bottom.”
Amy Goldstein is a national reporter for The Washington Post focused on health-care policy.Amy Goldstein is a national reporter for The Washington Post focused on health-care policy.
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