Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Republican US Representative Paul Ryan, the party's vice presidential nominee in 2012, said on Monday he will not run for president in 2016 in order to focus on his new role in Congress as chairman of the influential House Ways and Means Committee.
Mr Ryan told NBC News he made the decision to pass up a White House bid “weeks ago,” well before his former running mate, Mitt Romney, said on Friday he was considering another presidential bid.
“I have decided that I am not going to run for president in 2016,” Mr Ryan said in a phone interview with NBC.
“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,” he said.
The nine-term congressman from Wisconsin, said he would not endorse any other potential contenders immediately but he believes a Republican can “absolutely” win the White House in 2016.
“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,” he said.
Mr Ryan would have been a prominent contender in a 2016 Republican field that promises to be crowded and competitive. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush has said he is exploring a run, and Romney told donors on Friday he was still eyeing another bid.
Other potential contenders include Governors Scott Walker of Wisconsin, John Kasich of Ohio and Chris Christie of New Jersey, along with Senators Ted Cruz of Texas, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Marco Rubio of Florida.
“It's clear the country needs a change in direction and our party has a responsibility to offer a real alternative,” Mr Ryan said.
As chairman of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, Ryan said, he plans to help “lay out conservative solutions that will help our nominee lead us to victory”.
Meanwhile, Mr Ryan, 44, would not rule out a run for higher office in the future, saying he plans to “keep my options open”.
Reuters
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments