Lose 50 Seats – No problem
Representative John Boehner of Ohio has been re-elected as House GOP leader over Representative Dan Lundgren of California.
He was elected Majority Leader in 2006, and was not responsible for Republican’s loss of 30 House seats in 2006 and not entirely on the hook for the 20 more now. Nonetheless, the losses occurred on his watch.
Americans wanted change, and elected the least qualified president-elect since Jimma Carter. Republicans respond with more of the same.
Now Republicans will see if Boehner can hold any sway over the smallest minority in years. In fact, it is possible that Republicans could regain seats in 2010 merely as a result of excesses by the Democrat Congress and presidency. But the truest test will be if Boehner can give Republicans AND Conservatives inspiration for the party. Status Quo and minority status – or bold and aggressive leadership and growth. The next two years will define the GOP leader’s career.
