TAMPA, Fla. – Seizing the Republican National Convention spotlight, vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan welcomed “the calling of my generation” to help lead the country in tough times Wednesday and pledged that Mitt Romney will not duck the difficult decisions needed to repair the economy if he gains the White House this fall.

“After four years of getting the runaround, America needs a turnaround, and the man for the job is Gov. Mitt Romney,” the 42-year-old Wisconsin lawmaker declared in remarks prepared for delivery to the delegates. He spoke at a convention dogged by Tropical Storm Isaac, downgraded from a hurricane but still inflicting misery on millions along the nearby northern Gulf Coast.

“We will not duck the tough issues, we will lead,” Ryan said.