Rep. Paul Ryan book scheduled for next summer

[September 23, 2013]  NEW YORK (AP) --  Rep. Paul Ryan, the GOP's vice presidential candidate in 2012 and a rumored presidential contender for 2016, has a book deal.

The Wisconsin Republican has an agreement with Twelve for a book about the state of conservatism. Twelve, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing, told The Associated Press on Sunday that the book is called "Where Do We Go From Here?" and is scheduled for publication in August.

'"Where Do We Go from Here?' will delve into the state of the conservative movement in America today, how it contrasts with liberal progressivism, and what needs to be done to save the American Idea," according to a statement from the publisher. "It will challenge conventional thinking, renew the conservative vision for 2014 and beyond, and show how it is essential for the well-being of our communities and the future of our nation."

The 43-year-old Ryan has yet to declare his plans for 2016, but speculation increased after he announced Friday that he would visit New Hampshire next month to help a former House colleague, Frank Guinta, campaign for re-election.

A handful of prospective Republican presidential contenders -- Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, among them -- have already visited the New Hampshire, which traditionally hosts the nation's first presidential primary.

Books have become a virtual ritual for national candidates and Ryan's deal was negotiated by Robert Barnett, the Washington attorney whose clients include President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush. Ryan, who chairs the House Budget Committee, met with several publishers. Because of rules governing the House, he was not permitted to accept an advance, only royalties from sales.

Ryan's previous book, "Young Guns: A New Generation of Conservative Leaders," was a collaboration with fellow House Republicans Eric Cantor of Virginia and Kevin McCarthy of California. It came out in 2010.

[Associated Press; By HILLEL ITALIE]

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