Minnesota Reaction To Boehner Resignation

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota Republican who was long aligned with departing House Speaker John Boehner says he's shocked and saddened by his decision to leave Congress.

Rep. John Kline said Friday that Boehner will be missed in Washington and the Ohio congressman's resignation will leave a "tremendous void" in the House. Kline is part of GOP leadership as chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. He is also on his way out, having announced this summer that he will retire after completing his seventh term next year.

First District Democratic Congressman Tim Walz said “While John and I don’t agree on every issue, we were often able to work together when we did agree.  I believe Congress needs more people willing to work across the aisle, not less. At his core, Speaker Boehner believes in the promise of America and has served this institution with dignity for more than two decades.  I will always be grateful to him for his help in passing the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Act and I wish him well as he begins life outside of Congress.”

Meanwhile, Democratic Party chairman Ken Martin says Boehner paid a big price for standing up to the Tea Party wing of his party.