Do you that Paul Ryan is being used to split the Midwest vote?

[BaldEagle1991]

I think that by picking Paul Ryan, Romney has the chance to split the Midwest vote, which was overwhelmingly Obama in 2008, mainly due to him being based out of Chicago, Illinois. Do you think that was part of the reason or case?

[Supersonic]

Yes, in part.

The Boston team have been playing a Midwest strategy and, one of the factors, in choosing Ryan was his apparent appeal in Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio. It's also quite interesting that soon after Romney's VP choice, Ryan was shipped off to Iowa and Colorado while Mitt went to Florida.

Of course, other factors came into Romney's choice of Ryan as well but I do think Midwestern appeal was important.

[RogueBeaver]

Side-effect but certainly not the main reason.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Side-effect but certainly not the main reason.

[milhouse24]

I believe it was actually the most important factor, as opposed to any other candidates from non-midwestern states.  It was the reason that the 2nd choice was likely Tim Pawlenty.  Romney needed to expand the map and take over some vulnerable Blue states.  Paul Ryan is more exciting and has more DC experience than Tpaw. 

Romney is a numbers guy, and he will pick the VP that gives him the most electoral votes.  He needs to win more than Ohio, Virginia, and Florida.  He needs Iowa, or Wisconsin, or NH. 

The most vulnerable state for him to grab is Iowa.  Iowa has a large conservative catholic population that Santorum galvanized; and Ryan will appeal to that segment.  This is all about Iowa. 

Wisconsin will be close, but will require more effort and a lot of luck.  Portman wouldn't have done much for Iowa.  P-Ryan can help in Ohio and Virginia as well. 

Romney has Florida in most polls.  Obama-care has scared most Seniors, now that it has been passed, and there is no way they are turning back, even with Paul Ryan on the ticket. 

Biden's a drag on the ticket.  He's getting very old, might not make it past a 2nd term.  He won't be much of an asset in Ohio or Virginia anymore.  People are tired of his gimmicks and bad jokes. 

[RogueBeaver]

The most important factor, as I said during the Veepstakes, was C-H-E-M. Not only their close personal bond but Ann and Janna also really hit it off. She and Tagg were the ones who persuaded Mitt to go with his gut and pick Ryan. This was all in Buzzfeed and Politico recently.