People have been learning a lot lately about how lawmakers view Wisconsin Republican Paul Ryan, but what do people think back home in his district? Tim Bremel is host of “Your Talk Show” on WCLO in Janesville.
How do constituents view Congressman Ryan?
BREMEL: I have really never run into anyone that has a grave dislike for Paul Ryan. Now, you add the politics to that, and it gets a little dicier. Ultimately, I think that Congressman Ryan is viewed as a relatively fair politician, as politicians go -- certainly as it relates to Democratic views on conservative politics.
This is a largely Democratic town, so there is a history of Congressman Ryan not winning in his home area when it comes to elections, and there are certainly people who take exception to his conservative views. But as a person, and as a personality, most people that I meet -- even if they are not necessarily in alignment with his politics -- have respect for Paul as a person and as a father and as a family man.
From your conversations with the Congressman and folks in his district, what would you say is his style in dealing with differing personalities?
BREMEL: From my dealings with Congressman Ryan, I think that Congressman Ryan has a fairly pragmatic approach to that. He understands that there are differences. He certainly has a set of core beliefs that I believe he truly believes are the most beneficial way to move certain aspects of the country forward. He knows that there are very staunchly different views to that.
I have never really experienced Congressman Ryan being confrontational in that regard. He will stand on his convictions, but I think there is room in his mind for discussion with people that have a different opinion; and they may not come to an agreement, but I believe Congressman Ryan can walk away from that table with respect for the difference in the viewpoints without having always have won the argument.
How would you say he has balanced the Washington side of his life with Janesville since 1999?
BREMEL: Whenever he has had the opportunity, he’s still very involved in Janesville. He’s still very involved in his church. He attends a Catholic church in town. Most weekends that he is able to get home, I know he is there. He’s back here for a number of large events.
He is very, very aware that this is where his success began, and where the foundation of it began. I think he feels a certain loyalty to serve the people of Janesville as well as his entire district. He doesn’t have a lot of problem balancing that, but I think you saw it with his consideration of the Speaker role. It has really turned into, unfortunately, a thankless kind of job.
Just from the times that I have had the occasion to talk with Congressman Ryan, I don't think he views it that way. I think that he certainly realizes it's difficult to build consensus these days, but that he still views it as an honor and a privilege to serve his constituency even if they don't all agree with him.
