"Republicans couldn't have chosen a more ethically-tarred and corrupt replacement for Tom Delay than John Boehner. Congressman Boehner, who famously handed out tobacco-lobbyist money on the floor of the House of Representatives, continues to be entangled with the most extreme anti-gay lobby interests in Washington. As a lead sponsor of the federal anti-marriage amendment, and an advocate for anti-gay legislation, Congressman Boehner concerns himself more with the cash donations of special interests than the interests of his own constituents." - Eric Stern, NSD Executive Director.

The ethically-challenged Boehner defeated Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt by a 122-109 vote among House Republicans to become House Republican Leader on the second ballot. Republican Congressman John Shadegg of Arizona, who won the endorsement of Republicans like Senator John McCain (R-AZ), dropped out of the race after the first ballot.

KEY POINTS OF RECORD

-- In 1996, Congressman Boehner was caught passing out checks from tobacco lobyists to fellow Members on the floor of the House of Representatives (New York Times; May, 1996)

-- Congressman Boehner has routinely been under investigation by the Federal Elections Commission for his unusually close ties to lobbyists and possible criminal activity. (Cincinatti Enquirer; May 9, 2009)

-- Congressman Boehner is a sponsor and advocate for the federal anti-marriage amendment.

-- Congressman Boehner has repeatedly voted against the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act (hate crimes legislation), even when passed this year by the House of Representatives.

-- Congressman Boehner has repeatedly voted against non-discrimination legislation that would bar employment bias based on sexual orientation.

-- Congressman Boehner endorsed a bill that would allow the federal government to strip school libraries of books with gay themes. (Rep. Jones takes fight over gay marriage to school libraries; The Hill, May 17, 2005)

-- Congressman Boehner voted to bar same-sex couples in the District of Columbia from adopting children.

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National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party to advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

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