Skip, I’m not so sure I agree with your characterization that Ryan “… is not exactly a conservative movement guy…”. I’ve been listening to his speeches and interviews for sometime, and he provides clues that betray a good understanding of the conservative movement’s origins and principles.
For starters, I think he fits into the libertarian/free market branch, at least as how it was defined at the start of the modern conservative movement in the 1940’s and 1950’s, by requiring his staff to read Rand, Mises and Hayek. I’m not much of a Randian, and she’s was essentially written out of the movement, but Hayek was, is, a key pillar. Hayek’s work is invaluable to the movement and should be required reading of those interested in learning and understanding it.