WASHINGTON – House Republicans, looking for a fresh face to symbolize change at a time of ethics embarrassment, yesterday tapped Ohio Rep. John Boehner as their No. 2 leader to replace embattled Rep. Tom DeLay.
Boehner beat Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri, who’d been serving as acting majority leader.
Some New York Republicans said Boehner would be more sensitive to New York issues.
Rep. Peter King (R-L.I.) said, “John Boehner understands that there’s more to the Republican Party than the South and the West. He very much understands New York – Ohio is a lot like New York, with big cities, suburbs and labor unions.”
The vote came as Republicans are battling against the scandal taint from corrupt lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Democrats said that no matter who was tapped for majority leader, it was more of the same.