NORMAL, Ill --A Mitt Romney fundraiser attended by Congressman Paul Ryan drew several protesters Friday in the Twin Cities.
Armed with signs, posters and costumed characters, about 50 protesters came with messages for Congressman Paul Ryan and presidential candidate Mitt Romney. One lady says Ryan's budget policies hurt the poor.
"We believe that we are called to take care of each other so those of us that have been given more need to give more," said Illinois People's Action Member Mary Bechtel.
The Wisconsin congressman, who chairs the house budget committee, attended a fundraiser for Romney at the Marriott Hotel in Normal Friday afternoon. Ryan shares similar views on reducing the deficit which includes extending the Bush era tax cuts, and education cuts.
Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon joined the groups which included the Illinois People's Action. She says a Romney-Ryan budget would hurt senior citizens and cancel pell grants to families trying to pay college tuition.
"When we cut off opportunity from students we say we're gonna have a less educated workforce. That makes our state, our nation less appealing to people who are developing and building jobs to bring them to Illinois," she said.
One protester says Mitt Romney needs to produce his tax returns like other presidential candidates.
"No ifs or buts about it. His father released them he needs to be at least half the man his father is," said MoveOn.Org Member Sara Holthaus Weidemier.
Rally participants delivered a copy of this letter to Congressman Ryan's staff asking if they could meet with him to talk about budget options.
No one from Ryan's camp or the McLean County Republican Party responded to our requests for comment.
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