South Carolinians React to Romney's Running Mate

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By Rochelle Dean

Story Created: Aug 13, 2012 at 11:26 PM EDT

Story Updated: Aug 27, 2012 at 7:33 AM EDT

(WOLO) COLUMBIA,S.C. -- The race is on and GOP White House hopeful Mitt Romney's newly chosen running mate has South Carolina talking.

USC Political science professor, Dr. Robert Oldendick, says Congressman Paul Ryan was not the obvious choice, but may help give Romney a slight higher margin encouraging more South Carolina Republicans to head to the polls come November.

Not everyone agrees. We spoke with several Midlands residents who say they are surprised that Romney would pick someone who is so conservative, and believe Ryan may alienate some voters. While others say the choice has them torn over who they think would better run the country.

Dr. Oldendick says he understands the reasoning for Romney's pick. In fact, he feels Ryan's proposals during the last session, focusing on Fiscal responsibility, medicare and ,medicaid play a huge factor.
If nothing else, the choice definitely has sparked intrigue and added some enthusiasm to the race.