Boehner suggests California's Kevin McCarthy as replacement

UPDATE: Although John Boehner won’t have a say in who succeeds him as speaker of the House, he has a suggestion: Kevin McCarthy of California.

McCarthy is the No. 2 House Republican and might have widespread support from the party’s larger, more moderate faction. But he probably wouldn’t make Boehner’s conservative opponents happy, offering little change in leadership direction on issues like the federal budget and a willingness to shut down the government.

It’s not clear yet which members from the party’s conservative faction might run for Boehner’s position. Rep. Daniel Webster of Florida, who tried to take Boehner’s leadership post in January and got 12 votes, said Boehner should be commended for his hard work.

“Yesterday was the Pope’s day; today is Speaker Boehner’s day. Tomorrow is another day,” Webster said, hinting at hope for future changes.

Boehner has refused to force a government shutdown over Planned Parenthood funding this month, the issue that ultimately sparked his resignation. But Boehner’s pro-life credentials aren’t in question, only his willingness to play chicken with Democrats, a tactic that has proven unproductive, and even disastrous, for Republicans in the past.

“During his time as speaker we’ve seen an unprecedented level of pro-life activity, including fights to stop taxpayer funding of abortion in Obamacare, to defund America’s largest abortion business, Planned Parenthood, to strengthen the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act, and to protect children and women at risk during painful late abortions after five months,” said Susan B. Anthony List president Marjorie Dannenfelser. “We thank Speaker Boehner for what he was able to accomplish and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

UPDATE (12:45 p.m. EDT): Admiration and appreciation for House Speaker John Bohener poured in from more moderate members of his party this morning, even as conservatives celebrated what they see as an overdue transition.

In a statement released after his private resignation announcement to party leaders, Boehner said the constant GOP infighting was counter-productive.

“The first job of any speaker is to protect this institution that we all love,” Boehner said. “It is my view, however, that prolonged leadership turmoil would do irreparable damage to the institution. To that end, I will resign the speakership and my seat in Congress on Oct. 30.”

Conservatives had recently mounted a challenge to Boehner’s leadership, threatening to call a floor vote on whether he should keep his position, something that hasn’t happened in the House in more than 100 years.

The more conservative wing of the Republican party has for several years complained Boehner wasn’t fighting hard enough to pass budget control and pro-life legislation. They offered withering criticism over his reluctance to shut down the government this month in the fight to defund abortion giant Planned Parenthood.

Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina, who filed the formal challenge to Boehner’s leadership in July, acknowledged today the speaker had not had an easy job with the threat of a White House veto “constantly impeding” the GOP agenda.

“At times I differed with Speaker Boehner on policy or procedural positions, but I commend him for his honorable service, his humility, his undeniable love for his country and his desire to serve this great nation,” Meadows said. “It is of the utmost importance that our new leadership reflect the diverse makeup of the House Republican Conference and, ultimately, that the voices of the American people are heard through their elected representatives.”

Boehner’s supporters applauded the legislative victories he has championed.

“There is no speaker in history who has done more to defend innocent human life, to combat a lawless executive branch, and to advance a conservative governing vision for our country,” said Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the House majority whip. “His humility, patriotism, and commitment to our values will be deeply missed.”

Others took a jab at conservatives who have broken ranks with their more moderate leaders.

“The honor of John Boehner this morning stands in stark contrast to the idiocy of those members who seek to continually divide us,” said Rep. David Jolly of Florida, who admitted the “shut-down caucus” had achieved a victory.

Boehner was first elected to the House in 1990 and has held the speaker post since 2011. As he prepared for a new life off Capitol Hill, he said he was pleased with his legacy.

“Over the last five years, our majority has advanced conservative reforms that will help our children and their children,” Boehner said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished.”

OUR EARLIER REPORT (10:30 a.m. EDT): House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, announced this morning he will resign his leadership position and his seat in the House at the end of October.

Boehner first made the announcement to his fellow Republicans during a closed-door meeting. As news spread, reaction split the party’s members, just as Boehner’s leadership has done.

First elected by his colleagues to the speaker position in 2011, Boehner faced pressure in recent years from the party’s more conservative members. When presidential hopeful Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., announced the news during his speech at the Values Voters Summit, the audience erupted in cheers.

On Capitol Hill, conservatives’ reaction was muted but no less satisfied.

Rep. Tim Huelskamp of Kansas said “it's time for new leadership.” Rep. Tom Massie of Kentucky said Boehner had “subverted our Republic” during his tenure.

Massie said Boehner’s own leadership style and decisions led to today’s announcement.

“I think it was inevitable,” he said. “This is a condition of his own making right here.”

Boehner plans to talk about his decision later this morning during a news conference.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.