At conservative summit, crowd cheers news of Boehner’s departure

Holly Bailey
·National Correspondent
Updated

It’s no secret House Speaker John Boehner had a rocky relationship with conservatives, but as word broke of his surprise decision to resign his post and leave Congress next month, some literally leapt for joy.

Onstage at the Values Voter Summit in Washington, where many of the 2016 Republican presidential hopefuls are set to speak Friday, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio interrupted his remarks to announce word of Boehner’s departure.

“Just a few minutes ago, Speaker Boehner announced he will be resigning,” Rubio said.

“Yes!” a man screamed, as the room broke out into wild applause. Many jumped to their feet — including a stunned woman who pumped her fist with joy. The ovation went on for nearly 30 seconds.

Onstage, Rubio insisted he respected Boehner’s service, but he didn’t resist taking a shot at the outgoing House speaker.

“I’m not here to bash anyone, but the time has come to turn the page,” Rubio said.

(Cover tile photo: Jose Luis Magana/AP)