By Tim Jimenez

Philadelphia (CBS) — Republican Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney selected Congressman Paul Ryan to be his running mate. A local expert explains what this means for the campaign.

When describing the Paul Ryan pick, La Salle Political Science Professor Ed Turzanski used a term that many other political pundits have used….Bold.

“He could have had someone else, a Rob Portman or a Tim Pawlenty. That would not have excited his base. It would not have aroused the kind of response that you’re seeing from the White House.”

Turzanski says Ryan’s economic work, the crafting of his own budget which has been attacked by Democrats as quote, “The end of Medicare as we know it” provides a strong contrast between parties. And he hopes this focuses the election on issues, not distractions.

“We are going to have a very substantive discussion on the issues as a result of the Ryan pick.”

A debate that he says might not be the same, had Romney gone another direction.