Updated on Monday, Aug. 13 at 12:05 p.m.

An overwhelming majority of influential Republicans from Massachusetts say Mitt Romney's choice of running mate, Paul Ryan, will galvanize the state GOP. That’s the finding of a Red Commonwealth Snap Poll survey of influential conservatives sent out after Saturday morning's announcement.

When Patch asked Massachusetts Republicans if Paul Ryan as vice president would help undecided Massachusetts voters, the answers were split down the middle with half saying they strongly agree and the other half saying they strongly disagree.

"He is incredibly smart and can convey concepts in easy-to-understand language," one respondent said was an advantage to having Ryan on the Romney ticket.

Others noted Ryan's youth, ability to articulate himself and perception of being a family man as reasons Ryan is a good choice.

"He's an articulate yet forceful proponent of the necessity to dramatically change America's cultural/economic/political paradigm in order to avoid the malaise produced by said paradigm that is slowly destroying Europe," one person answered.

Massachusetts political influencers surveyed said they disagree that Democrats will be able to win against Romney and Ryan by running against Ryan's budget plans and proposal for Medicare.

Those surveyed did agree that the choice would also galvanize Democrats in the state and nation-wide.

Those surveyed also noted Ryan will be able to inject new energy into the campaign.

"Paul Ryan will appeal to many more voters in MA than people think. He's smart, relatable and isn't afraid to call out the current administration," one respondent said.

Another person answered: "Ryan's appointment signals that Romney intends to make the 2012 election a referendum on the direction of the country. Either voters choose another four years of European-styled socialism by voting for Obama or they choose to reverse course and double down on American exceptionalism by voting for Romney. Ryan will force the public itself to debate on which way America will go."

Red Commonwealth Survey

Patch surveys are not a scientific, random sample of any larger population but rather an effort to listen to a group of influential local Republican activists, party leaders, candidates and elected officials in Massachusetts. All of these individuals have agreed to participate in Massachusetts Patch surveys, although not all responded to this story’s questions.

Patch will be conducting Red Commonwealth and Blue Commonwealth surveys throughout the 2012 election season in hopes of determining the true sentiment of conservatives and progressives on the ground in Massachusetts. If you are an activist, party leader or elected official and would like to take part in periodic surveys that last just a few minutes, please contact Associate Regional Editor Katie Curley-Katzman at katherine@patch.com.

Red Commonwealth Survey Roster

Massachusetts survey participants include: