Republicans Elect John Boehner to Replace DeLay

The Republican caucus today elected Rep. John Boehner of Ohio to replace Tom DeLay as Majority Leader of the House. DeLay stepped down from his position in September after his indictment in Texas on campaign-related felony charges.

Boehner’s election is seen as as an upset to Roy Blunt (MO) who had claimed over 100 supprters during the leadership race. During the first round of votes, John Shadegg (AZ) took roughly 40 votes, Blunt 110, and Boehner 79. In the second round, Boehner received the backing of Shadegg and his supporters, allowing him to win over Blunt with 122 votes.

Glenn Reynolds of Instapundit rounds up some conservative opinions regarding the election of Boehner and the implications thereof in regards to ethical reform. N.Z. Bear writes, “It is a critical time for the House GOP, and Boehner’s leadership will be essential in bringing the party out from the cloud of corruption scandals,” while Reynolds himself labels Boehner as “the Diet Coke of reform.”