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After fending off a challenge to his leadership in the U.S. House, Rep. John Boehner, R-West Chester Twp., pledged a fight to put his party back on top.

In a closed-door vote Wednesday, Nov. 19, House Republicans re-elected Boehner as House minority leader.

The 59-year-old Boehner's sole challenger was California Rep. Dan Lungren.

Lungren pushed for the closed-door session so the lawmakers could have a frank discussion about leadership and the future of the party after recent losses to Democrats in the legislative and executive branches. All House members will be up for election again in 2010.

After the vote, Boehner issued a statement to supporters pledging to work with President-elect Barack Obama, but also to win back the majority by sticking to core conservative principles.

"The months ahead will present Republicans with an unprecedented opportunity to renew our drive for smaller, more accountable government and present positive solutions to the challenges facing the American people," Boehner said in a prepared statement. "We have to seize this opportunity, and seize it together. I'm deeply honored my colleagues have placed their faith in me and the newly-elected members of our team to lead this effort.

"When he (Obama) extends his hand in good faith to put the needs of the country first, Republicans will extend ours in return," Boehner said. "However, we will not abandon our principles and will fight for smaller, more accountable government and to keep our country safe.

"To rebuild the party, the energy has to come from us. And I will challenge all of you."

Boehner represents Ohio's 8th congressional district which includes Huber Heights, parts of Riverside, parts of Harrison Twp., parts of Dayton and all or part of Butler, Miami, Darke, Mercer and Preble counties.

The Republican caucus under Boehner will look a little different this year, with 20 fewer members after the November election and some new leadership.

Eric Cantor of Virginia will become Republican whip and Mike Pence of Indiana will be the new chairman of the Republican Conference.