He was the quintessential establishment permanent minority Republican, I believe he toppled Previous GOP Leader John Rhodes from the left, though it may have been more of a “time for a change” thing (DJ?). FR would have been all over him like spray tan on Boehner.
But he was a good man, great American, World War 2 vet and does deserve a lot of credit for getting stuff passed under Reagan. He would have been a hell of a better Speaker than damn Tip O’Niell and wouldn’t have embarrassed the great state of Illinois like Dennis “don’t drop the soap” Hastert did.
RIP
No, John Rhodes chose to voluntarily step down in 1981 (although he did declare if the GOP won a House Majority in 1980, he would run for Speaker). The consensus seemed to be he wasn’t up to being a strong leader and public voice for the party during that difficult post-Watergate period, especially by the younger (Conservative) activist members. He actually remained in Congress for another term until 1983. Unfortunately for us and the nation, his open seat was won by McQueeg.