Lungren to challenge Boehner for House GOP leader

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Calif.) will challenge U.S. Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) for his position as House Minority Leader.

"After discussions with several of my colleagues, it has become increasingly clear to me that we must not revert to "business as usual" in the selection of our House Republican Leadership.  It is undeniable that the American people are tired of the way congress has conducted its business on their behalf," Lungren said in a statement this afternoon.

"It is unfortunate that perception is reality. The selection of our leadership will reflect the initial reaction of House Republicans to the recent verdict of the American people. It is my belief that it is neither in the interest of our Party or the advancement of our conservative principles to simply affirm the status quo by acclamation in light of what happened on November 4th," Lungren said.

Lungren spokesman Brian Kaveney confirmed that Lungren had called Boehner early Friday afternoon to inform him of his decision. 

"Dan Lungren is a respected member of our conference and a man deeply committed to the principles that have defined our party since the beginning," Boehner said in a statement.