(LAS VEGAS CBS KNXT)  Las Vegas Republicans roared their approval as Congressman Paul Ryan trotted past the front row  in the packed Palo Verde High School gym, smiling at supporters who’d braved triple-digit heat standing in line to hear him speak. It was his first Southern Nevada appearance as Mitt Romney’s running mate in the 2012 presidential race.

Ryan’s introductory appearance here was a pep talk on the American economy, and a build-up for the man at the top of the ticket. He lauded Romney as a man who understands business, and he brought down the house with the Republican rejoinder to President Obama’s much-discussed remark about who should get credit for small business success.

Mitt Romney knows “if you have a small business, you did build that,” Ryan said, to thunderous applause and foot stomping.

Ryan also ladled out criticism for President Obama’s oversight of the economic recovery, calling out spending and borrowing he said will sink the next generation.

The vice presidential hopeful was introduced by Lt. Governor Brian Krolicki.  State Senate candidate Mark Hutchison gave opening remarks. Hutchison made a name for himself last year among the state’s  Republicans by representing Nevada in the federal challenge to the Affordable Care Act.

The buzz outside the Palo Verde High School gym centered on Ryan’s budgetary expertise, his reputation as a truth teller, and his energy.