Facing a revolt among House conservatives that would likely have toppled him, House Speaker John Boehner has announced his resignation:
Statement by House Speaker John Boehner
WASHINGTON, DC – House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement:
“My mission every day is to fight for a smaller, less costly, and more accountable government. Over the last five years, our majority has advanced conservative reforms that will help our children and their children. I am proud of what we have accomplished.
“The first job of any Speaker is to protect this institution that we all love. It was my plan to only serve as Speaker until the end of last year, but I stayed on to provide continuity to the Republican Conference and the House. It is my view, however, that prolonged leadership turmoil would do irreparable damage to the institution. To that end, I will resign the Speakership and my seat in Congress on October 30.
“Today, my heart is full with gratitude for my family, my colleagues, and the people of Ohio’s Eighth District. God bless this great country that has given me – the son of a bar owner from Cincinnati – the chance to serve.”
Good riddance to one of the least effective Speakers in the history of the House. His surprise resignation opens up a scramble for the leadership of the House. The next Speaker must do a lot less crying and a lot more fighting. May his example of resigning from a position he is manifestly unfit to hold be catching.
Thank God! Now may Francis and Obama follow suit!
Maybe Boehner’s just trying to blow smoke up our collective backside. But to the extent that he beleives his own bovine excrement, he personifies everything that’s wrong with the Republican party as it is presently constituted.
May Mitch McConnell be inspired by John Boehner’s example!