http://www.cleveland.com/politics/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/ispol/1136892661217480.xml&coll=2Washington- John Boehner is an insider's insider. He not only knows how to pass laws and win allies in Congress, he also knows how to slip quietly out of the Capitol for a smoke and some schmoozing with reporters, and how to make friends among CEOs, work a golf course and throw one magnificent party...
But the quest by Boehner (pronounced BAY-ner) to win the No. 2 post in the House, giving him sway in leading the Republican majority, presents a dilemma. If Congress is to renounce its cozy relationships with lobbyists - the intense chase for campaign money and deal-making that's prompting outrage - Boehner may not represent a sweeping change...
Democrats nevertheless view the Republican leadership race with optimism - if not, even, a little glee.
"If the Republicans are really committed to making meaningful changes to the culture of corruption that rules the way Congress conducts business today, they should support a leader for their party who is committed to restoring ethics reform to Congress, not somebody who is committed to the agenda of big corporate interests," said Adrienne Elrod, of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.