Article: Ryan's family, mentors shaped his politics

Paul Ryan has been touted within the conservative movement as one of its rising stars.

What shaped his political views and ambitions?

The six-term Wisconsin congressman points in part to his upbringing in a sprawling, traditional, Irish Catholic, fifth- generation Janesville family.

His father, an attorney, was a Republican and a fan of Ronald Reagan, but not very political, says Ryan. His grandfather had been tapped by Calvin Coolidge to be U.S. attorney for western Wisconsin in his late 20s, roughly the same age at which Ryan entered Congress.

Ryan's mother is an outdoors enthusiast who led her husband and four kids on regular trips to hike and ski in the Colorado Rockies.

Ryan's brother ...

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