USA: John Boehner says voters have given the Republicans a mandate for smaller government

Record ID: 347852

  • Title: USA: John Boehner says voters have given the Republicans a mandate for smaller government
  • Date: 4th November 2010
  • Summary: WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (NOVEMBER 3, 2010) (REUTERS) BOEHNER WALKING OFF
  • Embargoed: 19th November 2010 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Domestic Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA99GOK3QXVSMUAPZ4HACYN4WBF
  • Story Text: John Boehner, who is expected to take over as Speaker of the House of Representatives, says voters have given the Republicans a mandate for smaller government.
    John Boehner, who is expected to take over as Speaker of the House of Representatives, said on Wednesday (November 3) that voters had given them a mandate to roll back much of what President Barack Obama's Democrats have accomplished over the past two years.
    "It's pretty clear the American people want a smaller, less costly, more accountable government here in Washington, D.C.," said Boehner, who is likely to be the next speaker when the new Congress begins work in January.
    At a news conference one day after the Republicans won control of the House and gained seats in the Senate, Boehner said he had spoken to Obama and discussed working together.
    "Last night the president was kind enough to call me. We discussed working together on the American people's priorities: cutting spending, creating jobs. And we hope that he will continue to be willing to work with us on these priorities," he said.
    Republicans picked up at least 60 House seats, far more than the 39 they needed for a majority. They will enjoy their widest House majority since 1928.
    From tax cuts to housing, Obama's hand is weakened. He will have to fend off attempts to repeal his healthcare and Wall Street reforms and will face an aggressive push-back against administration policies.
    Boehner said he saw no problem incorporating members of the Tea Party into a Republican-majority House.
    "What unites us as Republicans will be the agenda of the American people. And if we're listening to the American people, I don't see any problems incorporating members of the Tea Party along with our party in the quest that's really the same. They want us to cut spending and focus on creating jobs in America."
    The loosely organized network of conservatives and libertarians gave Republicans a jolt of energy that helped them capture the House of Representatives, but it may have proved too strong a brew to win the Senate.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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