Congressman Paul Ryan became the fifty-fourth speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday morning. The 45-year-old Wisconsinite received 236 votes, while 75-year-old Democrat Nancy Pelosi of California received 184. Daniel Webster, a Republican backed by members of the Tea Party, received 9 votes.
“We have nothing to fear from honest differences honestly stated. If you have ideas, let’s hear them. A greater clarity between us can lead to a greater charity among us,” Ryan will say in his first speech as speaker, according to an aide.
