Paul Ryan to lead RNC fundraising efforts against President Obama

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) will lead GOP efforts to raise the money needed to defeat President Obama, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus announced Friday.

The appointment of Ryan to chair the RNC’s Presidential Trust could galvanize GOP donors, but could also revive the Democratic argument that Republicans want to gut the federal government.

{mosads}“Paul is a visionary leader for our party and it is fitting that he play a crucial role in the upcoming election where our nation’s future hangs in the balance,” Priebus said in a statement announcing the appointment.

Ryan, who chairs the House Budget Committee, proposed a budget in April that would slash trillions from government spending, in part by privatizing Medicare and converting Medicaid into block grants.

Democrats have used that plan as a rallying cry ever since, warning voters in races up and down the ballot what could happen to entitlements if Republicans were given free reign over the federal government.

Ryan said Friday that securing the resources to mobilize GOP voters would be crucial to replacing Obama with a Republican in 2012.

“Americans struggling under the Obama administration’s failed economic policies cannot afford another four years of high unemployment, unchecked government spending and record deficits and debt,” he said.

He and Priebus, who is the former chairman of the Wisconsin Republican Party, are good friends.

Ryan’s name has frequently been floated as a possible presidential candidate, but he has ruled out a 2012 bid.