Tea Party candidate seeks to challenge Boehner in 2012

The Hill ^ | September 17, 2011 | Alicia M. Cohn

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Tea Party activist David Lewis announced Friday he will challenge House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) in a Republican primary in 2012.

Lewis describes himself “a devout Christian, Tea Party leader, and pro-life leader” on his campaign website. “David's only allegiance is to God and cannot be swayed by party, individuals, or interest groups,” the site reads.

Lewis told The Cincinnati Enquirer his candidacy was prompted by Boehner’s support of a federal budget that included funding for Planned Parenthood.

Lewis participated in anti-abortion activist Randall Terry’s sit-in at Boehner’s Congressional office in February, where he and five others were arrested on charges of unlawful assembly after blocking the hallway outside Boehner’s office. Terry is the founder of Operation Rescue.

Lewis promised to air “graphic television ads on abortion” as part of his campaign against Boehner, which will be available on his website Monday, according to the paper.

Boehner won 85 percent of the primary vote in his district last year, and took over the top GOP position in Congress at the beginning of the year. Boehner’s favorability rating dropped somewhat nationally in August according to several polls, possibly in reaction to the high-profile role he played during protracted negotiations over the federal debt ceiling.

Boehner’s next election will likely measure his support amongst conservative Republicans, especially those identifying with the Tea Party movement, following some criticism from Tea Party leaders over Boehner’s perceived willingness to compromise with President Obama and the Democrats over the debt ceiling.

[stockpirate]

Let’s hope we can rid ourselves of Oboener

[Lazlo in PA]

LOL. This should be good. I bet Boner never thought he would ever be challenged on the Right. Screw him.

[sybilll]

Boehner has a 100% approval from right to life groups. This seems nonsensical IMO. He got a lifetime achievement award 2 years ago from a national pro-life group, and cried with pride throughout the entire ceremony.

[marron]

I would like to see Boener replaced, if he can be replaced from the right.

[Grey Eagle]

There is a lot more to be in the House than one issue. I am pro-life and have always been. Boehner has did a good job considering the stacked deck. Senate controlled by the Semocrats and President Obama. Can’t get anything passed right now. It is more important than ever to ensure that Republican take control of all 3. Then things can actually be done.

[Darren McCarty]

This guy doesn’t even live in the district.

[DelanoSAlways]

Hopefully he won’t turn into a RINO! It’s been catching.

[Doulos1]

Not a requirement. Usually helps to live in the district your are running for though.

[Darren McCarty]

I know it's not a requirement by law (Ie Alan Keyes in Illinois) but I can't take anyone seriously who doesn't live or have very close ties to the district (lived there much of his life or represented most of the area and is redistricted out of a job). That person is no more than an outside agitator, carpetbagger, or both.

This guy is about 30 miles from the border of the district in central Clermont County. That would be like me moving to Fenton to run for Dale Kildee's open seat.

[Siena Dreaming]

Do you think Boehner will get thanks at all from FR on his staunch pro-life stance? Nope. He gets mostly hate here.

Same with Bush. The pro-life crowd claimed the issue was essential to them; do any of them here ever thank Bush for the slings and arrows he took as he stood for life? Nope.

[Mountain Bike Vomit Carnage]

This guy is on Caputo right now.

He is a TOTAL MORON!!!!

He calls Boehner a socialist and member of a criminal syndicate. He can’t even put together a coherent sentence.

He said that he has the backing of the Tea Party, but Caputo interviewed the Ohio Tea Party and they do not back him.

Honestly, this David Lewis is a nutbag and I feel sorry for Neal for having to do this interview. He needs a coat with long sleeves.

[sybilll]

Well, that moron that is running against Boehner was on Cavuto’s show, and he is a MORON. All national Tea Party concerns need to distance themselves from this loon NOW. And, no, Boehner will never get the recognition for his pro-life stance that he deserves. Maybe I (and you?) are more aware because we follow the issue more closely. I just know I almost cried as hard as Boehner when he was receiving that lifetime achievement award. Thanks for your comments.