Illinois Politicos: Paul Ryan VP Selection Could Energize Both Parties

Illinois Democrats and Republicans both believe the will energize their party's voters in the 2012 presidential election.

That's the general feeling gathered from the Land of Lincoln survey issued by Patch in the Chicago area. Ninety-three Republicans and 89 Democrats were surveyed, though only 14 and nine replied, respectively, by the time of publication. 

About 77 percent of Republicans who responded said they believe the Ryan selection will galvanize Illinois Republicans, while 87 percent of Democratic respondents said the choice will bring together their voters against Ryan. 

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Republicans who replied to the survey generally believed a Romney-Ryan ticket will help galvanize Republicans, particularly in our neighboring Wisconsin, but differed as to whether it would impact the Illinois vote. 

"Illinois informed voters will respond to a ticket that has a budget plan to get the country back on track," one Republican said. "We need a responsible fiscally conservative approach to government in this state too."

Another GOP member, however, said, "Illinois is stuck with Obama regardless of what the Republicans do."

Read ProPublica's Guide to the Best Reporting on Paul Ryan.

Democrats have blasted Congressman Ryan for his proposed budget plan and Medicare spending. The budget plan looks to lower the national debt by targeting social programs such as Medicare, and also lowers the top tax rate paid by corporations and the wealthy, according to The Washington Post. 

So could Ryan's stance on these issues be a rallying cry for Illinois Democrats in this election? Democrats surveyed said yes, while Republicans said it won't help get them elected.

We asked the Land of Lincoln participants if Illinois Democrats could win in this election if they ran against Ryan's proposals. About 92 percent of Republicans surveyed said they either "strongly" or "somewhat" disagreed that it would help Democrats. Meanwhile, 88 percent of Democrats "strongly" or "somewhat" agreed that it would help their party to run against Ryan's stance on these issues. 

"How far right he is will move him away from Independents," one Democratic respondent said. Another said Ryan's selection will energize senior citizens in particular.

But Republicans in Illinois lauded Ryan as a "bold choice" and a "proven conservative," touting his knowledge of the budget and financial issues facing the country. 

WHO PARTICIPATED

Patch editors throughout the Chicago suburbs enlisted local people involved with politics to take our Land of Lincoln surveys. Go to the links below to see a full roster of those involved. Want to take our next survey? Email associate regional editor Michael Sewall at michael.sewall@patch.com.