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DECISION 2012: Ryan can run for both VP and Congress

Posted: 12:56 PM Aug 11, 2012
Reporter: AP

JANESVILLE, Wis. (AP) -- Even though U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan is now Mitt Romney's vice presidential candidate, Ryan doesn't have to drop his re-election bid for his congressional seat.

Wisconsin law generally prevents candidates from seeking two offices at the same time. However, it provides an exception when one of the offices is either president or vice president.

Ryan has represented the 1st Congressional District for seven terms.

The Janesville Republican will be running for an eighth term at the same time that he and Romney will be trying to defeat President Barack Obama. If Ryan prevails in both races, his election as vice president would void his congressional win. A special election would be held to fill the congressional vacancy.

Ryan is being opposed by Democrat Rob Zerban in the congressional race.