Boehner was challenged for the post by Rep. Dan Lungren, R-Calif., a conservative, Politico reported Wednesday.

In a nominating speech, Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., noted that Boehner had been a trouble-making conservative during his first stint in the minority role, leading the "Gang of Seven" to expose such things as the House banking scandal.

Speaking to the GOP conference, Boehner said Republicans would never be a "comfortable" minority nor would they comprise an "angry, bitter" minority in the House. He also promised a return to conservative principles as leader.

"In recent years Americans lost faith in us; stopped believing we are what we claim to be," Boehner said. "There are various views on why. Some blame President Bush. Others blame congressional Republicans and our own actions during our 12 years in the majority. While there are many views on why Americans lost their faith, we're unanimous on one thing: it's time to win it back."