Doggett says Ryan is wrong on Medicare

AUSTIN (KXAN) - As presumed Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney announced his selection of Wisconsin's Paul Ryan as his running mate, Democratic Congressman Lloyd Doggett told KXAN on Saturday that the ticket will contrast sharply with the one led by President Obama.

"His view that we cannot maintain Medicare, that we need to shift more of the risk of being retired and illness in retirement onto seniors -- I disagree with that and feel we need to protect Medicare," the Austin lawmaker said of his colleague in Congress. "He would change it more to a private voucher program."

Doggett, in an interview at the KXAN studio, also said that he disagrees with Ryan's view that tax cuts should be offered to more wealthy Americans. But he did praise Ryan's abilities, and used him to take a dig at Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a one-time candidate for the GOP nomination.

"I think that Paul is able and articulate," Doggett said. "I've served with him the entire time he's been budget chair nearby. I believe that he will be Rick Perry without the rough edges and without any 'oops' moment."

For his part, Perry posted on his Twitter accoun t that Ryan is a "conservative budget hawk" and an "excellent choice who will underscore (Romney's) commitment to downsize Washington,"