Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisc. backs Mitt Romney

GlobalPost

Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan has backed Romney for President, saying on Fox News' Fox and Friends that he "is the best person to be President." Ryan went on to say Romney had "the best chance to beating Barack Obama."

Ryan joins a growing list of high profile Republicans to officially endorse the Republican frontrunner, a list that now includes Tea Party darling Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, and former President George H.W. Bush.

More from GlobalPost: George H.W. Bush to formally endorse Mitt Romney

As the Republican chairman of the House Budget Committee, Ryan is considered one of the most influential party members. His highly controversial budget plan passed in the House yesterday, mostly along party lines, 228-191, according to Reuters. It's unlikely to survive the Senate. The budget is consistent with Ryan's doctrine of fiscal conservatism. 

"Here’s the other point," Ryan said on Fox and Friends. "I spent a good deal of time with Mitt Romney and his staff recently going through our country’s fiscal situation, talking about what it will take to get the country back on track. I am convinced Mitt Romney has the skills, the tenacity, the principles, the courage and the integrity to do what it takes to get America back on track."

Ryan's endorsement comes at time of increased infighting within the Republican Party and conservative establishment.

"I think we’re entering a phase where it [the Republican Primary] could become counterproductive if it drags on much longer," Ryan said on Fox. "That’s why I think we as conservatives need to coalesce around Mitt Romney and focus on the big task at hand, which is defeating Barak Obama in the fall."

According to the National Journal, there has been speculation that Ryan could fill the VP spot on Romney's ticket, but Ryan insists that it is only talk.

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