Rep. Ryan met with capacity crowds in Western Kenosha County

U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan held listening sessions today in two locations in Western Kenosha County and was met with audiences much larger than customary.

As Ryan commented in Paddock Lake, typically he might see a handful of residents turn out for such a session. Today, there were about 70 people in Twin Lakes Village Hall and about 90 in Paddock Lake Village Hall — capacity for both rooms.

Sheriff’s deputies were turning people away in Paddock Lake as early as 1:10 p.m. for a scheduled 1:30 p.m. start.

Ryan’s national and local profile has been high lately, as the federal budget takes center stage. Ryan is the chairman of the House Budget Committee.

The Twin Lakes audience was supportive while there was a little more dissension evident in Paddock Lake. Protesters massed outside a later appearance by Ryan in Kenosha at Gateway Technical College.

Following are some video highlights from the Twin Lakes and Paddock Lake sessions.

Here, Ryan discusses his Medicare reform proposal:

Here, Ryan discusses gas and oil prices:

Here, Ryan discusses immigration:

Here, Ryan discusses promoting equal opportunity vs. equal outcome:

Here, Ryan discusses monetary policy and his position on raising the federal debt ceiling:

Here, Ryan discusses his plans for tax reform:

Here, Ryan discusses political leadership:

Here, Ryan discusses the need for political compromise:

Here, Ryan discusses the proper role of the Federal Reserve: