Romney Running Mate Has Strong Ties To Oklahoma

Over the weekend, Republic presidential hopeful Mitt Romney introduced Congressman Paul Ryan as his running mate. Although Ryan is a representative from Wisconsin, his wife Janna has deep Oklahoma roots.

The world may now know her as Janna Ryan but in Madill, Oklahoma, she is still known by her maiden name, Janna Little. Her dad still owns a law firm that has sat in the heart of Madill since 1927.

Early Saturday morning Paul and Janna Ryan stepped into the spotlight and created quite the buzz in this town of just 3,000 people.

8/11/2012 Related Story: Oklahoma Governor Praises Mitt Romney's Pick For Running Mate

Joy Howell, 81, has lived in Madill her entire life. Her home is just across the street from where Janna grew up.

"This is one of the finest families that we could possibly have," Howell said.

The Littles no longer live in the home but Jana's father still lives in the area. Neighbors say he moved to the country after Janna's mother died.

None of Janna's relatives were at the family law firm Monday. Locals say her dad is busy on the campaign trail.

From an early age this small town girl went to private school out of state and graduated from law school. She is a former Congressional staffer and has been a Congressional spouse for the past 14 years.

Neighbors say her busy life doesn't keep her away long. The Ryans, whose dogs are even called Boomer and Sooner, return to Madill for the holidays. Howell is hoping on the next return she will meet the vice presidential hopeful.