You'll seldom here an encouraging word here about the state's biggest newspaper, but credit where it's due.

Paul Ryan's new national notoriety has made him a target in 2012.

Craig Gilbert, the Journal Sentinel's DC bureau chief and top political reporter, offers a thoughtful assessment of the Ryan race and whether the Democrats actually have any hopes of unseating him.

His conclusion is a pretty safe one: This race won't be as easy for Ryan as his last six have been, but it would be a major upset if he loses.

But it's filled with facts, insights and analysis -- a rarity these days -- and well worth a read.

Submitted by xoff on