Boehner favored as 61st House Speaker on his 61st birthday
by Molly K. Hooper (excerpt)

THE HILL

A teary John Boehner on Wednesday said he was humbled after House Republicans unanimously named him their leader for the new Congress. Boehner (R-Ohio) was elected Speaker-designate by House Republicans two weeks after leading his party to a stunning midterm victory that shifted control of the lower chamber to the GOP, along with 61 seats. Several races remain outstanding.

The honor came on Boehner’s 61st birthday, and when the full House votes in January, Boehner will become the 61st Speaker of the House.

According to Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), whom Boehner asked to handle the GOP’s transition to power in the House, the Ohio Republican teared up during a “short, heartfelt speech” in which he thanked the conference for its support.