IR Blog Post 4 Boehner takes charge as new Congress convenes (3)

Facts:

•  Rep. John Boehner of Ohio became the 61st speaker of the House of Representatives
• Democrats maintained control of the Senate for the new 112th Congress
• Republicans now hold a 242-193 majority in the House

http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/01/05/pelosi.boehner/index.html

Questions:

• Why was Boehner chosen to be the 61st speaker of the House of Representatives? 
• Was the election the only reason for Replublicans to gain the majority?

Link:
http://www.boehnerforspeaker.com/site/c.ouIWL8MOJrE/b.5406213/k.AEB6/About.htm