Jill Biden, Ryan call rev up campaigns

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The wife of Vice President Joe Biden was campaigning in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Battle Creek Saturday, and vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan called Grand Rapids supporters, giving them words of encouragement.

In Grand Rapids, Jill Biden told Democrats that her husband, and President Barack Obama, are looking out for them. In return, she said, "It's time that we have their backs."

Biden visited a campaign office Saturday, kicking off door-to-door visits in Grand Rapids neighborhoods. Her schedule included a similar stop in Battle Creek and a visit with students at Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo.

Campaign volunteer Mindy Walker liked Biden's message, especially her emphasis on education. Like Biden, Walker is an educator. She told The Grand Rapids Press that she wanted to "get a reading" on Biden.

Biden's husband, Joe Biden, has spent much time in Michigan, making three visits since July.

Also Saturday, supporters for Republican candidates Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan were at Kent County GOP headquarters checking out the Romney campaign bus and listening to Rep. Ryan call in and give all of the supporters a pep talk.

During the call, Ryan said both he and Romney know that winning Michigan is very important to them in the 2012 election. He encouraged the volunteers to talk with voters and get them out to the polls on Election Day -- Nov. 6.