Romney, Ryan & Walker to Host 'Homecoming Rally' in Waukesha

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney will be joined by his new running mate, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, as well as Gov. Scott Walker for a “Homecoming rally” at the Waukesha County Expo Center on Sunday.

The rally, which begins at 6 p.m., is all a part of Romney’s bus tour, “The Romney Plan For A Stronger Middle Class.” Organizers are hoping to get 5,000 people to show up for the event.

Walker announced he’ll also be attending the rally, as well as GOP U.S. Senate candidates Tommy Thompson,  Eric Hovde and Jeff Fitzgerald.

In an email sent to Republicans around the county, Keith Best, the public relations chair for the Waukesha County GOP said:

"Come on out and help energize this state for brother Paul Ryan. Ryan will make an excellent vice president as we take back this country...We want a big crowd. History is being made and you are invited to be a part of it."

Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas hailed the selection of Ryan — and the decision to hold the rally here.

"The pick of Paul Ryan is important in that it puts Wisconsin in position to vote for a Republican ticket for the first time since 1984. Not only in Wisconsin but all over the country Romney and Ryan as a team will have broad appeal to voters of all ages," he told Patch.  Waukesha County is critical to putting Wisconsin in the Republican column and we will work hard to get the job done."

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Michael A. Crowley, a Waukesha County Board supervisor and active Republican, said picking the county was a logical choice for Sunday's rally.

"This is exciting for Wisconsin. Being a key state, Paul Ryan as the running mate will secure many other key states for a sure win for the Republican Party," he told Patch. "Waukesha County is the place to kick off the rallies. I'm proud and excited for Paul Ryan and for Wisconsin."

The presidential nominee Saturday morning, dubbing themselves "America's Comeback Team." The two are attending a victory rally” at the NASCAR Technical Institute in North Carolina before jetting to Waukesha for the Sunday night rally.

While the event is free and open to the public, tickets will be required for entry. Anyone interested in going needs to register online or show up extra early to the expo center to acquire a ticket.

Doors open at 4 p.m. on Sunday.