CARNEGIE, Pa. (AP) -- Republican Paul Ryan is criticizing President Barack Obama for a remark the Democrat made four years ago about voters clinging to guns and religion.

Ryan on Tuesday told Pennsylvania voters that he is a Catholic deer hunter. Ryan says, in his words, "I am happy to be clinging to my guns and my religion."

Obama sparked controversy in April 2008 when he told a San Francisco fundraiser that some frustrated voters "cling to their guns or religion."

Ryan, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's running mate, visited a steel processing plant near Pittsburgh. He says President Barack Obama is relying on "distortions because that's all he has to offer."

Ryan is trying to blunt criticism of his plan to overhaul Medicare as America knows it. He says his plan would protect the program for seniors' grandchildren.