The Milwaukee Post

By DAN MUCKELBAUER Post Editor MILWAUKEE — House Speaker Paul Ryan's Wednesday decision to retire drew immediate responses, some congratulatory, some opportunistic over the pend- ing vacancy. Ryan, R-Janesville, whose cong res- s i o n a l d i s t r i c t includes a part of M i lw a u - k e e C o u n t y, said he was step- p i n g down to s p e n d m o r e time with his teen children and did not want them grow- ing up with "a weekend dad." Gov. Scott Walker, a fellow Republican, said in a news release, "As dear friends of Paul and Janna for more than 20 years, Tonette and I simply say 'thank you' to them and their family., "While Paul leaves behind a far-reaching, reform-mind- ed legacy and a long list of achievements in Congress, I believe this is just the begin- ning for him," he wrote. Leaving a seat open to a legitimate Democratic chal- lenge did not go unnoticed. It's also part of a trend, as 42 Republicans in the House and Senate are not seeking re-election in what many expect to be a strong Democratic tide. "Paul Ryan read the writ- ing on the wall," said Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of Voces de la Frontera. "He is facing sustained protest from the immigrant rights movement and progressives, as well as strong opposition in November. "Ryan's retirement pro- vides an opening for a cham- pion for working people to take his place," she said. Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin struck a friendly and respectful tone. "We know each other well and while we have different views on policy, I consider him a friend and have a lot of respect for him as a person and a public servant. This was a difficult decision to make, and I wish Paul and his family all the best in the future," Baldwin said. The Republican U.S. sena- tor from Wisconsin, Ron Johnson, likewise struck a more empathetic chord. "Paul Ryan is a person of true integrity who I have had the great fortune to know over the last eight years. He has served Janesville, south- eastern Wisconsin and our nation honorably. We should all be grateful for his sacri- fice and understand his desire to be a full-time Dad," he said. Politics ruled many of the comments with a mix of per- sonal notes. "The hundreds of working families who make up the IBEW Local 494 wish Speaker Ryan and his family the best as he returns to pri- vate life," International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 494 Business Manager Dean A. Warsh said. "This is increasingly one of the most important races in the nation. Speaker Ryan realizes working families are sick and tired of his leader- ship because he has consis- tently attacked the working class, and used his powerful position to advocate for big- money donors, not his mid- dle-class constituents." The National Republican Congressional Committee didn't see Ryan leaving with- out throwing his support in the coming fray. "I'm thankful for all Paul has done for the NRCC and am confident he has set us on a path to keep our majority. Paul is also a man of follow- through and I know he will continue to be an asset to us this fall," NRCC Chairman Steve Stivers said in a release. U.S. Rep. Jim Sensen- brenner, R-Menonomnee Falls, also thanked Ryan for his accomplishments. "I've had the privilege of knowing Paul and his family throughout his career from first-time candidate and jun- ior lawmaker, to vice presi- dential candidate and com- mittee chairman, to his cur- rent role as Speaker of the House. I wish him the best and know that he looks for- ward to spending more time with his wife and kids." Reaction to Paul Ryan's retirement follows mostly political lines Ryan April 13, 2018 • Milwaukee County Post • 5 5835 N. Lisbon Ave., Milwaukee 414/447-1118 • 3634 W. Lincoln Ave., Milwaukee 414/643-5464 2905 Lathrop Ave., Racine 262/633-6276 • 13320 W. College Ave., New Berlin 414/427-4900 www.wimuffler.com • Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm • Sat. 8am-3pm **SPRING SPECIAL** starting at ALIGNMENTS Expires 5/1/18 Expires 5/1/18 Expires 5/1/18 Expires 5/1/18 Expires 5/1/18 Expires 5/1/18 5/1/18 259968075 Start Right, Start Here Great Customer Service, Expert Product Knowledge Quality Merchandise at Competitive Prices and Quick In and Out Greg's & SALE ENDS April 30, 2018 ©2018 True Value®Company. All rights reserved. 79 -20 59 99 00 sale price 99 $20 off instant in-store rebate with Rewards Card OR use $20 mail-in rebate form. ***1/4 mile east of the 794 parkway on Layton*** 3050 E Layton Ave, St. Francis M-F 7AM to 8PM Sat 7AM-7PM, Sun 9AM-5PM 483-5550

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