That is wishful thinking.
Ryan did have an OUTSIDE chance of becoming Illinois Senator, but it was NEVER a certainty. In fact its simply a back focused look at some selected events that show that this is what 'caused' Obama to be Senator and ultimately President.
Mike Ditka had also considered running for Senator on the GOP ticket at the same time, he pulled out. Where are the conspiracy theorists over that?
These guys would have been happy about ditka