Local GOPs Join Kid Rock to Pump Up the Party at Ryan Rally

It was a message stated over and over by every politician, kid and rock star that took the stage Monday night at Paul Ryan's campaign rally at Oakland University.

"This is the election of our lifetime."

Read Ryan Addresses Thousands at OU Rally: 'Let's Go Out and Get This Done' 

A who's who of Michigan Republicans spoke for an hour before the guest of honor, Paul Ryan, came on stage. Here are the highlights:

Kid Rock

The Romney-Ryan supporter entered the Athletics Center O'rena as his "Born Free" blasted over the crowd.

"You have to stand for something," the Clarkston rocker told the crowd of thousands in his speech introducing Ryan. "The No. 1 thing is for everyone to vote. So many great Americans gave the ultimate sacrifice for this right, so please, everyone, vote."

Kid Rock admitted it was difficult to put himself in a position that could alienate many of his fans but said he strongly believed "people can disagree on politics without hating one another." The crowd cheered in agreement.

Laying his hand over his heart, Kid Rock said he was proud to say America had elected its first black president, "I'm sorry he didn't do a better job," he continued, "But the facts are the facts."

After contemplating throwing a keg party for Thursday night's vice presidential debate, Kid Rock said our military is the strongest in the world and his politics end there. Then at 8:30, Kid Rock introduced "fellow hunter, fellow fan of rock-and-roll and fellow Midwesterner" Ryan.

With AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" blasting and thunder sticks banging, Ryan finally came to the stage saying, "Guess what? I got to meet Kid Rock. Pretty cool!"

Candice Miller

Congresswoman Candice Miller emceed the event, standing in for the still-recouperating Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. 

"We love our buddy Brooks," Miller said to start off the night. "There's not a better Republican in the world than Brooks. We all know that."

Miller called Romney and Ryan "absolutely America's comeback team." Speaking about last week's presidential debate Miller said that 70 million Americans got a sense of the two men and that President Obama was "absent on leadership."

She told the crowd, "This is the most important election in any of our lifetimes."

Mike Bishop

Former Senate majority leader Mike Bishop of Rochester Hills took the stage next with his young son, Ben. Bishop is running for Oakland County prosecutor.

Bishop handed the microphone to his son, Ben, who wanted to say a word for "his generation."

In speaking about the debt, Ben told the audience, "Our generation can't handle that, I mean, it's a lot of money."

His father agreed: "It isn't fair what we're doing to the next generation."

After asking the crowd for their support in his run for Oakland County prosecutor, Bishop ended with, "Two years ago we took back our state, now we need to take back our country."

Kerry Bentivolio

The 11th District Congressional candidate, Kerry Bentivolio continued the message of this being "the most important election of our lives. I know you hear that a lot— this time it's really true."

He also said a congressman's job was to protect your rights, not take them away.

Don Volaric

The 9th District Congressional candidate Don Volaric said that with three young children he "lives in the now and is ready to work."

With claims that "the house is on fire and the ship is going down" he implored the crowd, "hang in there, we're coming!"

Ronna Romney McDaniel

Ronna Romney McDaniel isn't running for anything, but her uncle is. Presidential candidate Mitt Romney's niece took to the OU stage to tell the audience how much Michigan means to Mitt and his wife, Ann, as the place they were both born, the place they met and fell in love.

McDaniel said she hoped to give Ryan some "Michigan mojo" to take into his Thursday debate against Vice President Biden.

And she reminded the crowd that this is the election of our lifetimes.

Pete Hoekstra

U.S. Senate candidate Pete Hoekstra said, "Our number one priority is to keep America safe."

He also reminded the crowd, "When Mitt and Paul go to the White House, the road is through Michigan."