Reaction flows in to the election of Paul Ryan as House Speaker

"True leaders reveal themselves in times of uncertainty and change. They thrive under pressure and create new paths forward, always working toward the greatest good. Paul D. Ryan is a true conservative who embodies this type of visionary leadership. His installment today as Speaker of the House gives me renewed confidence and optimism in the direction of our party and country, and I’m certain his experience, skills, and statesmanship will begin a new chapter of prosperity in our nation’s history. Congratulations to my friend and colleague, Speaker Paul D. Ryan, as he enters into this exciting and challenging new role."

"As Badgers we are proud of Paul, who will be the first Speaker of the House of Representatives from Wisconsin. Paul and I have worked together to put the needs of Wisconsinites first and I look forward to continuing that. I hope that in his new role as Speaker he understands that in our Democracy, with checks and balances, we need to work in a bipartisan manner address our challenges and not continue to let hyper-partisanship cause gridlock and dysfunction."

"Paul Ryan is the right man, at the right time, to lead the House of Representatives at this critical period in history. Paul is a devoted husband and father, as well as a loyal, long time friend, and a man committed to making our country a better place," said Chairman Reince Priebus.

"Paul is a conservative who has dedicated his life to public service, and I know that he's focused toward building an America where everyone can prosper. I want to thank Speaker John Boehner for his exemplary leadership during his tenure as Speaker. His years of principled service have greatly benefited our party and our nation."

"Rep. Ryan said it’s a new day in the House of Representatives when he was nominated for Speaker. A good way to make that true is to return all the donations he received from (former House Speaker Dennis) Hastert, now a convicted felon for hiding over $1 million in payments to buy someone's silence.

Congratulations to Rep. Paul Ryan on being chosen Speaker by his colleagues. I applaud Speaker Ryan for giving the issue of work-family balance national attention and I hope he will use his new platform to help the rest of American families achieve the balance he wants for his own family."

"Congratulations to Congressman Paul Ryan as he becomes the new Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. I have known Paul Ryan for almost 20 years and during that entire time I have been so impressed by his intellect, his passion, his work ethic and most importantly, his love for our country.

"History came knocking at his door and I’m glad that he said yes. Paul Ryan is going to be in one of the most influential spots in our country.

"He’s going to have challenges being speaker, I understand that it’s certainly challenging at times, but it’s also really rewarding.

"We are small government, limited government conservatives, but we’re Americans.  Paul Ryan is going to show what we stand for as Republicans and contrast that with the other side.

"When we look at where we want to go, Paul Ryan is the man who will take us there. I would like to wish Paul luck.  I know he’ll be a fantastic speaker and will make every single person in Wisconsin proud."

"He's one of the unique people that went to Washington to do something great, not to be somebody great. He hasn't changed that persona and I think that's part of the reason why his colleagues have chosen him to be the next speaker."