(Associated Press) - Likely GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney says he was attracted to Paul Ryan because of his passion for making a difference.
Newly named running mate Ryan says he and Romney share the same values, and the 42-year-old Wisconsin congressman says he has the kind of experience that complements Romney's skills. Ryan has served in Congress for 14 years.
The two made the comments Sunday in an interview that aired on CBS' "60 Minutes."
Ryan says he wants to help Romney carry out a vision to help Americans get jobs and get the country back on track.
Romney says he was intrigued by Ryan and was inclined to choose him as running mate for some time, but kept his mind open.
Romney says he considered a number of people to be his running mate, but readiness to be president was the first and most important factor he considered.
He says Ryan has the judgment, character and capacity to become president if necessary.
Budget Proposals
Romney says he's running on his budget proposals, not the more controversial plan authored by his running mate.
Romney is pushing back against Democrats who say that by picking Ryan as his vice presidential candidate, he is embracing the Wisconsin congressman's austere budget. Ryan's long-term budget calls for more than $5 trillion in spending cuts, including an overhaul of Medicare.
Romney has proposed broad but largely unspecified cuts in federal spending. Romney's Medicare plans call for providing "generous" but undetermined subsidies to help future retirees buy private insurance, or let them have the option of traditional Medicare.
