House Republicans elect Boehner majority leader

US HOUSE Republicans elected Republican John Boehner of Ohio as their new majority leader yesterday, choosing a self-proclaimed reform candidate to replace indicted Tom DeLay as the party struggles with an ethics scandal.

Mr Boehner said Republicans will “re-dedicate ourselves to dealing with big issues the American people expect us to deal with” - such as national security issues.

Mr Boehner, a veteran of 15 years in Congress, defeated front-runner Roy Blunt 122-109 after lagging behind his rival in a first, inconclusive vote.