What they're saying about Boehner

The Washington insider newspaper The Hill asked a bunch of House lawmakers what they think of new House Majority Leader John Boehner, a Republican from West Chester. Specifically, they asked lawmakers who they think is a better majority leader - Boehner or his predecessor, Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas.

Here's what they said:

Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio): “Obviously my loyalties would have to be with Boehner because he’s from my home state and I’m hoping that he implements the reforms that he’s promising.”

Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.): “The guy’s been on the job one month. Give him 12 years and then I’ll tell you.”

Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.): “How do I know? The first thing Boehner talked about was bipartisanship. I don’t know if he means it, but DeLay never even talked about that.”

Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.): “They have different styles. You’re going to be arguing the difference between a Chevrolet and a Ford forever. Both will get you there. After being married for a long time [it’s like being asked] how do you like the new wife?”

Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.): “I got along well with DeLay, played golf with him a couple of times — not in Scotland. And I play a lot of golf with Boehner. They’re different personalities, but I get along with both of them.”

Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.): “I appreciate the fact that [Boehner] allows a full debate and gives us the opportunity to state our case and I never found him to be mean spirited — tenacious, but not mean. In my experience with DeLay I could say, that at this point, Boehner is a stronger majority leader.”

Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Texas): “I’m from Texas, so I’ll give Mr. Boehner his chance. He is doing a good job under some difficult circumstances.”