WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren OhioRepublican Vice-Presidential Candidate Paul Ryan makes campaign stop In Warren

Republican Vice-Presidential Candidate Paul Ryan makes campaign stop In Warren

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WARREN, Ohio - To the surprise of some customers taking a lunch break at the popular Hot Dog Shoppe in Warren, there was more than hot dogs and chili cheese fries on the menu.

Some had the opportunity to meet Republican Vice-Presidential candidate Paul Ryan, and several offered him their support.

John Brown of Warren shook Ryan's hand. "He's very personable, laid back, down to earth, and easy to talk to. I've been a registered Democrat here for over 50 years and I figure it's about time to change. I don't see Democrats doing anything for this Valley. I want somebody with common sense. I don't care if you're conservative or what you are, just use your head, and we can't spend more than we take in."

During the campaign stop that lasted more than 30 minutes, the Wisconsin Congressman made his way around the room shaking hands with some of the lunch crowd and taking photos with others, including 17-year-old Caleb Roth of Leavittsburg.

"It was a surprise. It was a breathtaking experience to actually see him, and see him support the community around here. It was awesome," Roth said.

Tim McAdams, the Hot Dog Shoppe's Assistant Manager, says they did have a heads-up that the vice-presidential nominee may be stopping by to grab a bite to eat after his speech in Canton. In fact, McAdams says the Romney/Ryan Campaign paid him a visit, and considered holding a larger event at the restaurant. "It would have been a larger event where he was actually going to address the crowd," McAdams said. But by the end of the day on Wednesday, there was a change of plans.

As Ryan mingled with the crowd he sat down at a table to eat his sauerkraut, mustard and onion dogs with Randy Law, a candidate for State Representative, and several other people.

Law says anytime a candidate from either ticket travels to Warren, or the Mahoning Valley, it shines a national spotlight on this area and the issues here.

"We talked a little politics in general. We talked about the Delphi retiree situation. He's very supportive of that. He's got some Delphi plants in his district, and so we've got an ally there to fight for our folks in Washington there. We also talked a little Packers football," Law said.

As Ryan made his way to a waiting car, a crowd gathered in the parking lot to catch a glimpse of the man who could be the next Vice-President of the United States and his campaign vowed they'll be back before November.