mitt_romney_and_paul_ryan.jpgNORFOLK, Va. — Amid falling poll numbers Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has selected Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan to be his running mate.

The candidate made his announcement to supporters via a phone app, saying — quote — "Mitt's Choice for VP is Paul Ryan." The GOP ticket was set to appear together at 9 A.M. Eastern in Norfolk, Va.

Romney and Ryan are kicking off a four-day bus tour that will take them to as many states, including Florida, where it trails President Obama in the polls.

At 42, Ryan is a generation younger than the 65-year-old Romney. Ryan is chairman of the House Budget Committe and like Romney, has touted budget cuts and tax cuts.