GOP Boehner elected speaker of the House

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, with siblings watching from the gallery, was elected speaker of the House of Representatives Wednesday.

Republicans took control of the chamber convincingly on Election Day, Nov. 2.

While the outcome was never really in doubt, Boehner was elected speaker on a 241-to-173 vote over Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., with 19 representatives either voting for others or voting "present."

Clerk Lorraine Miller presided over the chamber until Boehner was elected speaker.

Pelosi still leads the Democrats, now the minority party.

Before electing the speaker, members registered their presence on the House floor by a "P" on the tally board. While the roll was being taken, Boehner strolled the floor, posing for pictures and shaking hands with members from both parties.

In placing his name in nomination, Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, called Boehner "a unique man of uniquely American values."

Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., said Pelosi "led with decency and dignity," when nominating her for the speaker's post.