Although the Janesville plant, which produced General Motors' full-size SUVs, did close in 2008, it was under then-President Bush, not Obama. GM announced that it would close the Janesville plant in October 2008, when the campaign was still in full swing, and officially closed the plant's doors in December. Obama took office in January.
Originally built in 1919 as a tractor factory, the Janesville plant was targeted for closure because it required a significant investment to be upgraded to modern standards. The plant also produced some of GM's thirstiest vehicles at a time when $4 gas had all but elasticated demand for full-size SUVs.
GM says the plant remains in "standby."
When asked by CNN about his comments, Ryan declined to revise his statement.
