Boehner Beats Back Dissent to Reclaim House Speaker Post

Boehner Beats Back Dissent to Reclaim House Speaker Post

John A. Boehner beat back a challenge to his speakership on Tuesday from restless conservatives as Republicans assumed control of both houses of Congress for the first time in eight years.

The dissent from the right wing illustrated how challenging the next two years could be for Republicans, who now own the political liability that comes with being in charge on Capitol Hill at a time when dismayed voters are more likely than ever to turn on the party in power.

At least two dozen Republicans voted against the speaker, diminishing somewhat what should have been a day of euphoria for the party.

In the House, Republicans have their largest majority since the post-World War II era, 246 seats. In the Senate, where 12 freshmen Republicans were sworn in on Tuesday, the party has 54 seats to the Democrats’ 46, including a lone freshman.

Defections in a vote for speaker have been fairly rare in recent years. By contrast, Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the new majority leader, faced no opposition when his colleagues chose him before the holiday recess.

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