Boehner: Race not over yet!

Over the weekend Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri sent out a news release claiming that he had secured the votes needed to become the next House majority leader:

WASHINGTON --- House Majority Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) today announced that he has the support of more than the 117 Members of the House Republican Conference required to win the post of House Majority Leader.

"I've counted a lot of votes in my seven years in the Whip's office, and this was a well-fought fight on all sides. John Boehner is a great congressman and a good friend. My friend John Shadegg is bringing an important focus to the final days of this race. I look forward to working with both of them as we achieve great results for the American people.

"As I've talked with Members of our conference this week, we've discussed our party's vision for a freer, safer and more prosperous America. Our reform-minded majority will regain the trust of the American people and promote the common sense principles of smarter, not bigger government that is accountable to the people who send us here.

"The healthy debate we're having this month will strengthen us."

With 231 Republican lawmakers in the House, whoever gets 116 votes in a secret election on Feb. 2 will be the one to replace indicted former Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas.

Rep. John Boehner, R-West Chester, replied to Blunt's claim by sending out his own news release saying that the race is not over yet - and calling on Blunt to step down as House majority whip, the position Blunt currently holds. Here is what Boehner had to say:

"This will be a long campaign, leading up to a secret ballot election. If the claims by Roy's campaign are true, then it is in the best interest of the Republican Conference for him to follow Congressman Shadegg's example and step aside from his post to allow a full and open race for the whip's position.

"Members of our Conference are also entitled to know where and how their next majority leader intends to lead. As of today, I remain the only candidate for the office who has offered a detailed leadership plan and vision for the future of our majority and the reforms we must unite to enact."

On Sunday, Boehner's bid for the No. 2 spot in the House was profiled on the front page of the Enquirer. Read all about it here. Check out the transcript of the Enquirer's interview with Boehner - and listen to audio files of what he had to say - here. Read an editorial about his position here.

Also on Sunday, Boehner appeared on Fox News. Watch Boehner's interview here.