Boehner to run again for House speaker

CINCINNATI, March 3 (UPI) -- Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, said Monday he intends to seek re-election as speaker of the U.S. House, adding he is confident he will win.

"I think I'm in better shape with my caucus than I have ever been in the last three years," he said, adding that his recent purchase of a condominium on Marco Island, Fla., "has nothing to do with my future."

Boehner added it is time the United States joined with Europe to impose sanctions against Russia for its military incursion into Ukraine. He did not specify what sanctions should be ordered, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported Monday.

Referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "thug," Boehner added: "It's time to stand up to Putin. At what point do you say enough is enough? We are at that point."