Ryan tells delegates GOP has right message but running out of time

U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan told delegates this morning Republicans have a winning message but haven't done a good job selling it to the public and are running out of time to do it.

"We know who we are. We know what works," said Ryan, chair of the this year's convention. "But we have not done an effective job of explaining to the American people who we are and what our plan is."

Ryan said he will unveil legislation next week called "A Roadmap for America's Future" that he says will focus on health and retirement security and global economic issues.

Ryan said the plan will be "controversial in some quarters." But he said it is time for Republicans to "take stock of who we are and take stock of the messes we've created."

Ryan, a Janesville Republican, said the political left is on the offensive, but he said America remains a "center-right nation." He said it's time for the GOP to stand by the principles that it is known for.

"Friends, it's gut check time."

"We have to show the American people we have a plan to solve their problems," Ryan said.

Listen to audio here.

-- By Greg Bump

Ryan: Dems didn't win, GOP lost election

U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, says the Republicans' bad performance at the polls in November is due to straying from their roots.

"The Democrats did not win the last election, Repulicans lost it," Ryan said.

"Some people think it's all because of the war. No way," Ryan continued. "That had something to do with it obviously. I think it's because we did not walk our talk in many areas."

Ryan then listed off failure of public earmarks on spending bills, overspending and losing core values.

Interestingly, Ryan said he hopes Republicans don't regain control of Congress in next fall's election.

"I don't want to go back in the Republican majority if we're going to be just like we were before. I want to make sure that we come up with the ideas and the principles and the actions, and then get back in the majority and act on those ideas and principles and actions."

Listen to Ryan's speech here

-- By Matt Dolbey