Frederica Freyberg:

Mitt Romney's running mate may be a new regular for the national press, but Paul Ryan has been a long-time visitor to the news studios at Wisconsin Public Television.

Patty Lowe:

Mr. Ryan currently works in marketing at his family's construction company. This is his first run for public office and we welcome you to Weekend, Mr. Ryan.

Paul Ryan:

Thank you very much. Nice to be here.

Frederica Freyberg:

Two months later, Ryan returned, one of the youngest members of congress, who was already building a reputation as a power networker who ran at high rpm.

Paul Ryan:

I've met a lot of great people, and I ate a lot of interesting food and I still lost 15 pounds.

Frederica Freyberg:

And by his second term he was already defining his position on what would become his signature issue.

Paul Ryan:

The key is this. Medicare is going broke. I mean, it is going insolvent when the baby boomers retire.

Frederica Freyberg:

Then there's the clip we found of Ryan's response to his party's rejection of then speaker Newt Gingrich's leadership.

Paul Ryan:

Well, it looks like we're going to have to do fresh leadership. I think it's a healthy thing, for not only for the congress, but for the country.