THE VILLAGES (FOX 13) -
Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan drew huge cheers from a very pro-Republican crowd in The Villages on Saturday.
By the side of the recently named GOP Vice-Presidential candidate was his 78-year-old mother Betty. A ‘snowbird' show spends her winters here in Florida.
Ryan says his mom is one of the reasons he is seeking the second highest office in the United States.
"She and her grandkids are why I'm here," Ryan said during a campaign stop in Central Florida.
It was clear that along with promoting the Mitt Romney/Paul Ryan agenda the congressman's goal was to talk directly to seniors about Medicare.
The Democrats have been hammering away at Romney/Ryan on their proposal to overhaul the government run program.
"Our plan does not affect benefits for those who are in or near retirement," Ryan explained. "It's a promise made and promises must be kept."
He touted his party's plan claiming the Romney/Ryan proposal would save Medicare for generations to come.
"For those of us who are young, when we become Medicare eligible we would have a choice of guarantee coverage options," Rep. Ryan added.
Mary Sharpe was among those in attendance Saturday who oppose the Romney/Ryan plan.
"I understand they're gong to use a voucher program," she said. "I think that's a terrible idea."
Sharpe was among the minority however. Most backed the congressman and showed approval for his platform. Ryan closed his speech at The Villages by pushing for a Mitt Romney presidency.
He said a vote for the Romney/Ryan ticket would change the course of the country for the better.
Ryan: "Mitt Romney is the man for the moment to provide that leadership, this is a defining moment."
Ryan says his plan will make Medicare stronger and will preserve it for future generations.
