Rep. Boehner Elected House Majority Leader

Rep. John Boehner (news, bio, voting record) of Ohio was elected House majority leader Thursday to replace indicted Rep. Tom DeLay.

Boehner defeated fellow Republican Rep. Roy Blunt (news, bio, voting record) of Missouri, 122-109, after lagging behind his rival in a first, inconclusive ballot.

Boehner campaigned as a candidate of reform, and said his experience as chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee had demonstrated his ability to pass major legislation.

Blunt remains the GOP whip, third-ranking in the leadership. He been a temporary stand-in for DeLay, who is charged with campaign finance violations in Texas.