Republican vote fixing...

Through his years of service in the house, John Boehner has often been a bold reformer and an accomplished legislative leader. He's a solid Midwestern conservative, with a healthy skepticism of government, and that shows in his legislation and his manifesto for leadership. Right now, House Republicans need to put points on the board to win back their own confidence, and that of the base.

The Ohio Congressman also has credentials as a genuine reformer. Back in the dark ages before a House Republican majority, he led the "Gang of Seven" that closed the House Bank, exposed the House Post Office scandal, and ended the House Restaurant's "dine-and-dash" system. He's managed to remain largely faithful to the spirit of the 1994 revolution, in spite of his subsequent ascent through the Republican ranks. Boehner cast the same votes as Shadegg on abominations such as the 2002 farm bill and the 2005 highway bill. Unlike many of his colleagues, Boehner does not propose pork-barrel projects that are not necessary for his Ohio congressional district. And like Shadegg, Boehner didn't know Jack Abramoff and never received a contribution from him.

Another characteristic that is essential in leadership and that has been displayed by Boehner in the past is a streak of stubbornness against the Democratic leadership's most outrageous acts of partisanship and attack strategies. When no one else would, Boehner acted years ago to hold liberal Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) accountable for leaking the contents of an illegally-recorded conversation among House leaders. Boehner's action was taken at great expense to his own self-interest - and his re-election fund, which with FEC approval has financed a lawsuit against McDermott that continues to this day.

When no one else would, Boehner acted years ago to hold liberal Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) accountable for leaking the contents of an illegally-recorded conversation among House leaders. Boehner's action was taken at great expense to his own self-interest - and his re-election fund, which with FEC approval has financed a lawsuit against McDermott that continues to this day.

The conversation that was recorded was, in fact, Boehner and Newt Gingrich discussing ways to illegally break the rules of the House in order to win a political struggle. Boehner took up the lawsuit in order to take pressure off of himself; after alll, he was caught red-handed discussing ways to subvert the rules of the House of Reps. Hardly an honorable fellow, there.

...he could prove me wrong, and I would not be angry.

Shadegg was the only candidate who didn't have his hands dirty in some way. I think that may have had something to do with the fact that he didn't get elected.

Boehner (I don't care how they say it's pronounced, it'll always be 'boner' in my mind) is the same fellow who handed out checks on the House floor to tobbacco lobbyists back in 1995.

He has something like 15 former staffers who are now K-street Lobbyists; his ties to the lobbying world are extensive. I have a hard time seeing how he is going to enact real reform without abandoning so many of his former mates; but, he could prove me wrong, and I would not be angry.

Cycloptichorn

and the gleeful slams on the GOP are not called for