Paul Ryan to make 1st NH trip since 2012 campaign

Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan, the former Republican vice presidential nominee, is headed to New Hampshire.

A handful of prospective Republican presidential contenders – Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, among them – have already visited the state, which traditionally hosts the nation’s first presidential primary.

Ryan is set to visit the state in October to help a former House colleague, Frank Guinta, who is expected to launch a re-election campaign in the coming weeks after losing his seat last year.

The visit marks Ryan’s first to the Granite State since he campaigned across the state for Mitt Romney’s unsuccessful presidential bid.

“The people of New Hampshire were very hospitable to my family last fall, and I’m looking forward to the visit,” Ryan said recently. “I’m proud to support Congressman Guinta, who will work to pay down our debt and help grow the economy.”

Guinta and Ryan served on the budget committee together for the one term that Guinta was in Congress.

While the visit may benefit Guinta in the short term, the New Hampshire stop also ensures Ryan will figure prominently in discussions about the 2016 presidential contest.