Boehner Re-Elected as Speaker

With nine defections, Boehner received just six more than necessary to avoid a second round of balloting

John Boehner was elected Thursday to a second term as House speaker, despite misgivings by some conservatives about his handling of the fiscal crisis negotiations. 

The Ohio congressman, now in his 12th term in the House, was re-elected with 220 votes. He endured nine defections from the Republican ranks, but was able to just clear the 214-vote threshold he needed to avoid a second round of balloting.