Jones, Rouzer react to Boehner’s resignation

WASHINGTON, NC (WWAY) — News that House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) plans to leave Congress later this year caught just about everyone by surprise.

While many colleagues inside the Beltway, including President Barack Obama, have spoken highly of Boeher today, it looks like at least one of the men who represents southeastern North Carolina in the US House of Representatives won’t be sad to see change in his party’s leadership.

“John is a good person, and I wish him well,” Rep. Walter Jones (R-3rd District), who represents Pender County and part of New Hanover County, said in a statement. “That said, I voted against him for speaker twice, and I helped to lead the movement calling for a new speaker, because he was not the kind of leader who stands for principle. Dedication to principle gives you the strength to fight for the people, not the special interests in Washington. The American people know the country’s headed in the wrong direction. That’s why they elected a Republican Congress. But over the last five years, Republican leaders in Washington have caved to President Obama at almost every opportunity. We need a speaker whose top priority is following the Constitution, not raising money from special interests and Washington insiders.  We need a speaker who will stand for principle. We need a Speaker who will fight.”

Rep. David Rouzer was gentler in his assessment of the outgoing speaker.

“John Boehner made a selfless and classy act this morning, a reflection of his inner character and care for the US House of Representatives as an institution. Just like every other member of the House, I appreciate his dedicated service to our country,” Rep. David Rouzer (R-7th District) said in a statement. “As we prepare for a transition in leadership, it’s time to move forward unified and focused on the priorities of the American people.”