The gaggle of presidential contenders for the 2016 race to the White House continues to grow apace, but one of those speculative contenders has already stepped out.
Romney running mate, VP nominee Paul Ryan, indicated in an NBC News interview yesterday that he has opted not to throw his hat in the ring in 2016. He explained:
“I have decided that I am not going to run for president in 2016. It is amazing the amount of encouragement I have gotten from people – from friends and supporters – but I feel like I am in a position to make a big difference where I am and I want to do that.”
Analysts are already applauding the decision as a smart move given the uphill battle the Wisconsin congressman would have faced amid the largest field of GOP presidential candidates in a generation.
Ryan, who was recently re-elected to his ninth term in the House, was born in 1971, which means he is young enough to wait out this cycle and perhaps a few more after which timing on a presidential bid might be more opportune.
He rose quickly to influence in the House in the run-up to the 2012 White House race with a savvy use of budget prowess and technology, skills that will certainly continue to play a key role in the new Republican majority over both chambers in Congress.
Ryan continued about the prospective GOP field of candidates, “I think we’ve got a number of very capable candidates who have every ability to become president. There are a lot of talented people. I think it is critical that our party puts forward bold, conservative ideas and give people a choice. I think we have a number of capable leaders who can do that.”
