After retaining control of the House despite a strong Democratic challenge, House Republicans today unanimously reelected their slate of leaders from the 104th Congress.
Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia, Majority Leader Dick Armey and Majority Whip Tom DeLay of Texas, Republican Conference Chairman John Boehner of Ohio, Conference Vice Chairwoman Susan Molinari of New York, and Policy Committee Chairman Christopher Cox of California all were unopposed in their races for their leadership posts. Rep. Jennifer Dunn, R- Wash., was unanimously elected GOP conference secretary, replacing retiring Rep. Barbara Vucanovich, R-Nev.
Although Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., earlier said some members were considering opposing Gingrich based on his ethics troubles, the move evaporated this week as no member was willing to stand against him. "There's no sense in creating a fight," King said today. In their speeches to the conference after being elected, Gingrich and Armey stressed their desire for increased bipartisanship and more legislative accomplishments. Gingrich said Republicans "have an absolute moral obligation" to make the divided government work. "I think you'll see far more cooperation between the executive and legislative branch," he said.
GOP leaders also noted they can now move more slowly than in the 104th Congress. "I think we now have a broader horizon with which to plan," Boehner said.
Meanwhile, Gingrich said today is "bittersweet" for him because of the death this morning of his stepfather Robert Gingrich -- a former Army officer who adopted Newt Gingrich as a toddler -- after a lengthy battle with lung cancer.
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