Politics

Who are the key new Republican leaders?

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With Republicans back in control of the House of Representatives, a new power structure will emerge over the next few weeks.

Republicans needed 39 seats to gain the majority, and are projected to gain 60 seats, the biggest shift in more than a half-century.

House Republican Leader John Boehner is poised to lead the House Republican agenda, which promises to cut spending, repeal parts of President Obama’s health care program and push targeted tax cuts for small businesses, which they say will lead to job growth.

Boehner is known as a fiscal conservative who made spending reforms a key point of his campaign for House leadership. With may voters angered by what they see as out of control Washington spending, Boehner has reminded reporters that he's never requested any earmarks for his Ohio district. He has also been a powerful fundraiser for his party, which has solidified his position.

As the magnitude of the Republican takeover was becoming clear, an emotional Boehner told supporters, “Across the country right now, we are witnessing a repudiation of Washington … a repudiation of Big Government … and a repudiation of politicians who refuse to listen to the people.”

“He is the real deal,” said Republican strategist Mary Matalin. “He will run that place not seen since the likes of [former Speaker of the House] Tip O’Neill.”

Full Story: Who are the key new Republican leaders? – CNN