GOP nominates Ryan as speaker, House set to OK

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans nominated Rep. Paul Ryan today to become the chamber's next speaker, rallying behind a youthful overachiever they hope will guide them out of weeks of internal feuding and disarray and point the party toward accomplishments they can highlight in next year's elections.

Ryan, R-Wis., was his party's 2012 vice presidential nominee and is considered a telegenic spokesman for conservative priorities. When the full House formally elects the 45-year-old as speaker Thursday, he will take charge of a chamber whose Republicans have been riven and rudderless since John Boehner, R-Ohio, stunned his colleagues by announcing his resignation from the top post last month.

Ryan won a secret-ballot election that took place in the same hearing room where GOP lawmakers last week grilled Hillary Rodham Clinton, the top Democratic presidential contender, on the deadly 2012 attacks on Americans in Benghazi, Libya.

Ryan defeated his main announced rival, Rep. Daniel Webster of Florida.

Ryan initially preferred to keep his current job as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, where his domain includes taxes and health programs and trade — issues where he's sought to put his imprint.