By Adam Studzinski
WASHINGTON – House Speaker John Boehner’s announcement Friday that he’ll resign his seat in Congress next month was unexpected by U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville).
“I wasn’t completely surprised,” said Davis. “I did think that the Speaker would choose not to run again, but I didn’t expect him to resign effective at the end of October.”
Davis believed Boehner views this decision as a chance to bring the Republican Party together.
“To make it less about one individual and make it more about the institution. I commend him for that,” said Davis. “I think the Republican Party in Washington will remain strong.”
Davis thought it’s too soon to tell who might replace Boehner as House Speaker.
“I’m sure the next Speaker of the House, who’s going to be part of our Republican majority, is going to continue to lead this country on a path to fiscal prosperity, continue to reduce our deficit spending,” he said.
Davis added he appreciates what Boehner has done for him since he joined Congress.
“He helped make sure I was a member of two conference committees during the last Congress to negotiate important bills like the farm bill,” said Davis. “That’s what I went to Washington to do, was to work together and get things done, and he gave me an opportunity to do that.”
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) released on statement on Boehner’s resignation:
“I served with John Boehner in the House and worked with him as a Senator. Despite our differences, I applaud his commitment to our nation and a life of public service. The chaos in the House Republican Conference, the palace intrigue, and the extremism of some of his members have resulted in the House’s failure to address basic issues, and now in the Speaker’s resignation. John Boehner tried to keep his conference in the mainstream, and his departure raises questions about the future of a party that thinks Boehner is not radical enough to lead the House and that Donald Trump is the right man to be President.”
U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) also released a statement:
“Speaker Boehner has been a great leader of the Republican Party and the House of Representatives, enduring a thankless job in service to our country. It was thanks to his leadership and vision that we were able to regain and grow what is now the strongest Republican majority in 80 years. Despite presiding over the House during very challenging times for America, Speaker Boehner helped move our country forward, tirelessly advancing conservative, pro-growth policies and reforms. I thank the Speaker for his leadership in the House & his personal friendship over the years, and wish him and his family well in the days ahead.”
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].
