WASHINGTON (WHTC) – John Boehner has survived a challenge from conservatives to his re-election at House Speaker. The Republican from Ohio was elected to his third term as Speaker this afternoon as the 114th Congress got underway. Some Tea Party Republicans challenged Boehner, saying he hadn’t been forceful enough in opposing President Obama’s policies and executive actions. Congressman Fred Upton of St. Joseph says he’s more interested in getting things done, now that the Republicans have the majority in both houses: Upton and fellow GOP Congressman Bill Huizenga of Zeeland both voted to retain Boehner, who won with 216 votes, slightly more than a simple majority. Among those voting in opposition were Republican Congressman Justin Amash of Grand Rapids, who wrote in a Facebook post that Boehner had done his best, but that Republicans needed a new leader.
