The last speaker of the house that came from Ohio was Nicholas Longworth. Like Boehner, he was a Republican from the Cincinnati area. He faced similar challenges during his time in office and was known for working with both sides of the aisle. Boehner has said that Longworth is an influence for him and that could be an indication of how he will lead congress, according to Dan Birdsong, a political science professor at the University of Dayton.
"I think that Boehner will show himself to be more the deal maker, unlike Newt Gingrich who crafted a media presence and image," says Birdsong,"Boehner is going to trend towards getting things done and working for projects on his agenda and the Republican's agenda."
Boehner is from West Chester and he represents the 8th congressional district which serves a large swath of the greater Dayton area. Birdsong says Boehner's opposition to earmarks may mean not much will change for the district, but that Ohio will have a prominent spotlight on the national scene.
"He seems to be one who really adheres to the delegate view of representation that the house of representatives is the people's house and that we need to listen to the American people and their constituents, so if he gets to set the agenda, that's going to play a big role," says Birdsong.
Boehner takes the position from Democrat Nancy Pelosi, who introduced him, calling Boehner a proud son of Ohio.