DERRY, N.H., Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan urged supporters in New Hampshire Saturday to bring the state back into the GOP win column in November.
New Hampshire tended to be heavily Republican through most of the 20th century. But in recent years, it has become a swing state, carried by Democrats in every presidential election in the past 20 years except 2000.
Ryan, speaking in a school gymnasium in Derry, attacked President Barack Obama's healthcare plan.
He cited the motto that appears on New Hampshire's license plates, Politico reported.
"In the 'live free or die state,' we want to be in control of our own healthcare," he said.
Ryan cited his own ties to New England, telling supporters his sister, who accompanied him to New Hampshire, "lives right over the border in Boston," ABC News said. Presidential nominee Mitt Romney served a term as governor of Massachusetts and has a summer home in Wolfeboro, N.H.
"A handful of states will settle this. You understand it. You're the Granite state. You've had presidential candidates in your kitchens," Ryan said. "You're used to this, but that's why you know the responsibility you have. You have a responsibility to talk to your fellow citizens, to get those people that like the promise of hope and change four years ago, but are demoralized now."
Ryan, who attended a Boston-area fundraiser with Romney Friday, was scheduled to be in Ohio later Saturday.