Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan (R) quickly rose within the ranks of the GOP as a vehemently conservative thinker. After the rise of the Tea Party, Ryan was marked as one of the new movement's...Show moreWisconsin Representative Paul Ryan (R) quickly rose within the ranks of the GOP as a vehemently conservative thinker. After the rise of the Tea Party, Ryan was marked as one of the new movement's political leaders and during the 2012 election became the GOP nominee for Vice-President. After the failed 2012 election, his relationship with the GOP's conservative base began to shift. Through the political career of Paul Ryan, this thesis explores the relationship between the GOP leadership and the Party's most conservative base.Show less