Republican U.S. presidential candidate Mitt Romney has announced his choice to be vice president, if he wins the November election.

Romney said Saturday that Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin will be his running mate. Ryan is a long-time representative from the northern state of Wisconsin.

Romney and Ryan are to appear together Saturday in Norfolk, Virginia to kick off a four-day bus tour.

The 42-year-old Ryan has the backing of many influential conservatives. He is chairman of the House Budget Committee, and has been a vocal leader in cutting the deficit by slashing the U.S. budget.