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N. IL Lawmakers React To Boehner Exit

Overwhelming support has emerged in response to House Speaker John Boehner’s announcement to resign next month. Boehner believes stepping down will prevent further disarray among the House Republicans.

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) envisioned a productive ending for Boehner’s last month as Speaker.

“I’m hopeful that, during his final month in Congress, we will be able to move past gridlock and not only avoid a government shutdown but also make progress on other stalled bipartisan priorities such as passing a long-term highway bill and reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank,” Bustos said.

Congressman Randy Hultgren (IL-14) expressed the momentum Boehner has left on the Republican Party.

“He’s been very impactful in helping us, certainly raising money for candidates, to win the largest Republican majority in 80-some years,” Hultgren said. “I give him a lot of credit for that, but also recognition that we need to move forward.”

Hultgren says there has been a lot of dissension among Republicans in the House under Boehner, and the next leader must be able to address that.

The vacancy calls for quick action to find Boehner’s successor, as he plans to officially step down Oct. 30.

Democratic Senator Dick Durbin says Boehner’s resignation was a surprise.

“I thank him for his public service. I’ve always had a good working relationship with him. But let’s be honest. We have to look ahead and decide how we’re going to govern this nation in a responsible fashion,” Durbin said.

Durbin says the Senate will vote next week to extend the budget deadline to December 11th.  If Congress passes the measure, the fight to defund Planned Parenthood could be pushed back until after a new speaker has been chosen.

The Associated Press,  Guy Stephens, and Camille Phillips contributed to this report.