In what is being termed an upset, Rep. John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) was elected House majority leader by his fellow Republicans.

Boehner's main challenger was Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Missouri), an ally of deposed majority leader Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas). In the first round of balloting, Boehner won 79 votes while Blunt won 110, not enough to win.

In the second round, Boehner won 122 votes while Blunt only received 109. When the results were announced, Boehner was said to be stunned.

Boehner promised to restore trust in Congress in the wake of the Jack Abramoff scandal and other ethical woes.

Get the Story:
In an Upset, Boehner Is Elected House GOP Leader (The Washington Post 2/3)
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Post-Abramoff Mood Shaped Vote for DeLay's Successor (The Washington Post 2/3)
Boehner pulls off victory on second ballot (The Hill 2/3)
Boehner triumph signals shift in House GOP (The Hill 2/3)
House G.O.P Votes a Surprise Choice to Succeed DeLay (The New York Times 2/3)
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A Cry of Concern by Republicans at Voter Unease (The New York Times 2/3)

Relevant Links:
Rep. John Boehner - http://johnboehner.house.gov