ROANOKE, Va. (AP) — GOP running mate Paul Ryan said Wednesday President Obama’s “you didn’t build that” remark explains why the U.S. recovery has been so sluggish.

At a campaign rally in Roanoke, the Wisconsin congressman said it revealed Obama’s “mindset” of favoring big government over private entrepreneurs — and shows why his policies have failed to create jobs.

Last month, at a Roanoke fire station, Obama said successful businesses depend on things like bridges and schools that governments created — and said to successful business owners, “You didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen.” Since then, Mitt Romney and his running mate have denounced the comment as anti-business. Obama’s campaign insists his words have been taken out of context.

“When Obama came into office, it was tough,” Ryan told a crowd gathered at Northwest True Value Hardware. “He inherited a difficult situation. Here’s the problem: He made it worse. He can’t run on accomplishments. It’s a failed record.”

Ryan touted the GOP ticket’s plan to create jobs, use more of America’s energy resources and restructure the country’s budget.

“The key, the centerpiece, is to champion small businesses,” Ryan said.

Ryan was joined by Chris McMurray of Radford’s Crumb and Get It Cookie Company. McMurray was in the national spotlight last week after refusing to host an “unscheduled visit” by Vice President Joe Biden.

“Success in business doesn’t come from government,” McMurray told the crowd while introducing Ryan. “It comes from hard work, innovation and you and me. When government gets out of the way, we can provide services and grow our economy.

Obama plans to return to Virginia next week, when he’ll stop by Charlottesville during a swing through battleground states as Republicans gather in Florida for their national convention.

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