Snap Poll: Paul Ryan As VP Pick Galvanizes Missouri Republicans

Nearly 91 percent of influential Missouri Republicans who responded to an unscientific Patch poll Saturday said Mitt Romney's selection of Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan to be his Vice-Presidential running mate on the presumptive ticket in November would "galvanize" Republicans in Missouri.

Patch asked more than 60 Republicans to weigh in on the choice and received 22 responses.

Participants praised Ryan's his knowledge on fiscal matters and the ability to articulate a way forward. Ryan, Chairman of the House Budget Committee, has pushed a budget plan that proposes large changes to Medicare, Medicaid and tax rates.

"Ryan brings good conservative credentials to the ticket for those who had doubts about Romney. He's a strong voice for reigning in government," one person wrote.

When asked if that budget plan could be used by Democrats as a way to win in November, more than 77 percent disagreed in some way.

What about Missouri?

While the Ryan selection galvanized Republicans, and 68 percent believe it will help Mitt Romney pick up independent voters here, the pick may not have been needed for the GOP to seal the deal in the state.

"Solid choice of a Midwestern conservative can only push Missouri further towards Romney," wrote one respondent. Said another: "I don't think it makes a huge difference in Missouri, as our state was already leaning towards Romney. I think this just makes Missouri a solid Romney state in November."

A Sense of Humor

One respondent said they'd rather see Ryan as President and Romney as VP, while another offered that Ryan has less gaffe-potential than Vice President Joe Biden.

The first person who responded may have had the best line of the day. "Best hair on a presidential ticket ever."

Results from a Patch poll asking Democrats about the Ryan selection will be released in the next few days.