PROVO, Utah (ABC 4 News) - GOP Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan landed in the Beehive State Wednesday afternoon for a quick fundraising visit.
Arriving from a campaign stop in Iowa, Rep. Ryan (R-WI) and the Mitt Romney campaign plane touched down at the Provo airport around 1 p.m. Not far away, peeking through a fence, a handful of supporters anxiously hoped to catch a glimpse.
“We would love to see him,“ said Monica Steffen, Ryan supporter.
“He’s very handsome,” said Norky Humphreys, Ryan supporter.
Those most anxious for Ryan’s visit perhaps was Boy Scout Troop 720. They were the first to greet Rep. Ryan as he got off the plane. “It was so cool, it’s all a blur, “ said Johnny Astle, 12. “He asked me what my name was and I told him and then he shook my hand and I can’t really remember what else he said, it was so cool.”
“It was a little scary and I was nervous, “ said Schafer Heiner, 13. “I was afraid I was going to mess up in front of al those cameras.”
Ryan was quickly whisked away in a motorcade of black SUVs. He’s meeting privately with GOP leader and candidates. Ryan is also raising money for the GOP ticket starting with a $25,000 a plate dinner and a VIP reception starting at $3,000 price tag.
He will then speak during a general reception at the Utah Valley Convention Center, that’s $1,000 a ticket or $20 for students.
“I think if the economy starts to work we can do lots of things,” said Humphreys. “I think he is very smart.”
Democrats tied up with activities at the DNC in Charlotte offered criticism of Ryan’s visit over the phone with reporters Wednesday.
“He’s using the state as an ATM,” said Wayne Holland, former Utah Democratic Party Chairman.
Rep. Ryan is scheduled to leave Utah after the 7 p.m. reception.
