Boehner, Blunt re-elected as US House leaders

WASHINGTON, Nov 17 (Reuters) Republicans in the US House of Representatives re-elected two top leaders today -- 10 days after American voters voiced discontent by turning over control of the legislative body to Democrats.

House Republicans stuck with John Boehner of Ohio to head their caucus, with Roy Blunt of Missouri remaining his deputy as party whip.

They survived challenges by Mike Pence of Indiana and John Shadegg of Arizona, who had charged the party had lost its way in a year that saw it battered by the Iraq war, mounting federal deficits and congressional scandals.

While victorious, Boehner and Blunt said the party needs to focus on core conservative principles of limited government, personal responsibility and reform.

Boehner was first elected Republican leader only about 10 months ago to replace Tom DeLay of Texas, who stepped down after being indicted on campaign finance charges.

In a closed-door meeting of House Republicans, Boehner was re-elected in a secret ballot, 168-27. The vote count in the Blunt race was 147-57.

REUTERS SY VV2157