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GOP vice presidential candidate's high school AP government teacher shares stories of his famous student, but explains why he may not vote for him
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Says -- to say yes.
That is to have you here pretty exciting news for change no incidents have you know that who congressman Paul Ryan when did you first meet him and -- now.
I bet congressman Ryan back in the mid eighties when he uses your -- -- high school.
The 88 group was the first year that we have for years at -- high school.
So he was one of the first ones -- -- and the four year plan which was fine.
How much -- isn't great student great student.
Wherever I travel all the -- now I have never had defender Ryan an -- the -- plan to office.
My 34 years -- teaching it sent one yet but we need to talk about any -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- You know let's get a dance together it was and that committee.
Homecoming seeing your name -- -- ball.
-- -- -- references -- says it clad in the class president something one year that he was also voted Desi round aria well.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- But this way Allen is a nice kid come up -- Iowa city's schmoozing me here and it -- to commit sincere.
Thought he said he like you just run with that so.
Over the years and stay in touch -- -- yes.
And in fact I know that they have here jobs -- -- that he did he read on the have -- in the congressional record.
-- When congressman Ryan ran in 98 and is as a freshman.
Yet to speak and they house floor during a national education week.
Activity.
And it is nice enough to single me out in a -- on the house floor as being someone that influence him.
Granted it's not on his economics or how he votes but we had a great time and our government class back in the eighties and through my retirement 2009.
So it was one of those things where kids appreciated listening to other kids that have different opinions and everyone had a chance to voice their opinion and I think that's one of the nicest things that I have going with congressman Ryan is that we don't see the same way.
Politics but yet we're good friends we can agree to disagree which I think unfortunately has been lost in the last few years and in our government did you vote for -- No I have not voted firm and the house elections.
And that to have to be as a voted for a few independents because side at that time -- and think the democratic candidate was a better choice than congressman Ryan so.
Eighteen million -- -- I think he knows that.
Had not -- well it does right now.
I think he knows my politics and you know what he he's a nice enough guy that he would come back and meet with my kids in class.
And how much more can you asked for -- a government teacher to have your congressmen.
Come here class and talk to thirty kids at a time and do that 45 times and today the same with senator Feingold -- another -- -- 1971 grad and he would come back.
And what a great.
Time -- -- government teacher -- To have.
Two elected officials come back and talk to kids and say you know you -- do it too and I think they're both down to earth people they both have you know different agendas.
But they're both genuine people that have a greater respect for.
Does it did to you as you go into this and of -- election.
I.
I'm at a -- he didn't vote for him before us congress are you considering voting for him on the vice presidential ticket or motive for the round to take gravity right taken.
I hate to say this but I won't be able before -- I'll be voting for President Obama and Joseph Biden again lack.
I think the biggest thing is is education for me.
When represented right we'll come talk about issues in class.
I would bring up something but education and of course is his canned response and in an illogical one would be.
That that's a local matter and and I would come back with -- -- -- you know antagonize him from the students it's a local matter but when you sitting -- pay for early special education.
Mandates at 60% -- give fifty.
Really puts a crimp on the local people with a budget so I just look at the Democrats Democrats -- better people for education.
I'd -- my opinion.
I take it then that you had struck it's about the recall yes I -- house dot.
So -- I had my my yard signs out I have my bumper stickers I signed the petitions nature that my son and daughter signed.
Petitions as well as my wife you know given them an opportunity -- not twisting any arms you know I don't think they.
You know we're too too worried about it and when you take away 500 dollars per kid in his school district -- -- well.
101000 -- that's five million dollars to community that hasn't raise taxes in the last three years.
That's a -- -- crippling.
And that you know I also look at Tommy Thompson back in the day.
When he was able to get to I think it was six democratic assembly people.
The crossover vote with the Republicans to get the QEO established which limited my earnings -- -- Qualified educational.
Offer I -- it is.
And it was -- last 23 years and last I think thirteen.
And as a results during those great years of the ninety's where it was getting these huge bonuses.
And we were making a 1% may -- race and covering because were.
Teachers and we we value that health insurance on my.
That a lot of the money that we -- went into paying her premiums for a school district that's.
-- says it's we're self.
Our our funding for our insurance.
Were self -- so they don't have to pay out and last areas some type of -- So if I go into the hospital I get that in my hundred dollar deductible whatever.
But if I don't do anything there's no -- -- where -- gathered from.
Do you think that Paul I have -- influence on the Wisconsin vote overall because delay in -- and 08 it was at fourteen point margin I think from President Obama over Senator John McCain wouldn't and a cushion governor Republican governor two years later and a recall.
Where he -- it wider margin.
They could have an impact -- -- -- Wisconsin voters.
I I would think so but.
I look at how polarized this data is and I don't know if anyone's really gonna jump across and I'll just because Paul Ryan is now on the ticket.
I would say maybe one or 2% but I looked at how much money was spent in that recall election.
And how many people were affected by the thirty plus millions spent I'm taking a handful.
Does it preconceived votes this isn't this a democratic county how how does he get reelected every year and that democratic -- -- I think received doesn't hurt I don't think well -- -- hurts and does well in Kenosha.
You know he's a likable guy there's no doubt about it and I think he's pretty well funded I remember being at a a meeting when he was first thinking of running and I told them to -- you can raise a quarter million dollars -- a heartbeat.
You gotta run against a woman who can't carry Kenosha.
That I told at that meeting that he could be the next less Aspen -- that he could be in congress for 22 years if you want it to.
Like I -- a great -- He's been fantastic.
My family's been fantastic to all the students I've taken out to DC for trips over the years.
You know bring us into his office.
Well I think one of the highlights for me other than my little letter from them was.
My 51 birthday I I met with four former Craig students.
With three kids that are brought on a trip my nephew was -- -- whose student teaching at the time and we met at a Tex -- place called awesome -- -- -- -- there for three hours with.
Tom Thorpe who lived across the street from Paul Ryan and the class of 87 swim team captain for me.
Andrew pop this class of 84 when -- first kids ever took out to DC and he's now the head of the 101 airborne.
And and petty Joseph McCann who raised eleven million dollars I think it was for senator Feingold.
And as a classmate Paul both an 88 -- -- Democrat Republican.
And we had a great time -- those kids.
The ones that are brought from -- out there -- treated to three hours of just great conversation.
And one of the funniest things for me was that.
Congressman Ryan talked with Amanda -- about hunting for about thirty minutes.
You know deer hunting Turkey hunting and here's Amanda talking -- her congressman.
You know over a a rack of ribs at this beautiful place it was it was a fantastic night plus they picked up -- That's foremost former students and I can't say enough but -- not -- now I won't go there now -- -- -- It's not your.
