Boehner sends letter to colleagues asking for support in bid to retain leadership position

House Minority Leader U.S. Rep. John Boehner (R-West Chester) has sent a letter to his Republican colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives asking them to re-elect him to his leadership position.

Boehner said he was honored with the trust his colleagues have put in him over the past two years as Minority Leader.

In his letter, Boehner tells his colleagues that 2008 turned out to be every bit as tough for Republicans as they thought it would be.

"The American people have spoken," Boehner wrote. "We respect their choice."

Boehner said that opponents wouldn't settle for that though, and want Republicans to surrender.

"They want us to stand aside for the next two years, abandon our principles, and give the new administration and the Democratic leaders of Congress a free pass," Boehner wrote. "It ain't gonna happen.  It must not happen."

Boehner said that America remains a center-right country and that Republicans need to focus on winning the issues, one by one, and "presenting principled, superior alternatives that reflect the center-right priorities of the American people, rather than the self-serving priorities of Washington."

Boehner said that the Democrats' agenda will give them regular chances to do this and draw deep and meaningful contrasts on the challenges facing our country.

"I'm deeply disappointed by the outcome of Tuesday's election," Boehner wrote. "But I'm equally committed to building a lasting majority on the reform principles that define us and inspire our citizens.  For this reason, I'm writing today to announce my candidacy for Republican Leader in the 111th Congress, and to request the honor of your vote."

Boehner said that as leader he has worked tirelessly for the Republican team, and tried to lead by example. 

"I'll always be straight with you, and I'll always be open to your ideas," told colleagues. "You deserve nothing less. I can't ask for the best from you unless I'm willing to give it myself."

Boehner wrote that winning the majority and rebuilding the party will require the best from everybody.

"We've faced and overcome these challenges before, and working together as a bold, unified, and energetic team, we'll do it again," Boehner wrote. I'm ready to get started today. I'm confident you are too. I look forward to speaking with you in person and outlining our plans for the future.  It's time for the losing to stop. And my commitment to you is that it will. I humbly ask for your support and the privilege of serving as House Republican Leader in the next Congress."