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Paul Ryan elected House Speaker, succeeding John Boehner

WASHINGTON (AP) — House electes Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin as Speaker, succeeding John Boehner.

10:35 a.m.

Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan has won enough votes to become 54th Speaker of the House. The roll call vote is continuing.

10:10 a.m.

As Rep. John Boehner gave his farewell speech as House speaker, the Ohio Republican turned around from the podium and heaved a sigh.

Democrats and Republicans, and everyone in the galleries, gave him a standing ovation. Saluting him was Rep. Paul Ryan, who’s about to be voted the new speaker.

Boehner wiped his face with a tissue, then hugged House staffers.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington state — a member of the GOP leadership — nominated Ryan for speaker. She says the House is eager for fresh start so the chamber can better fulfill its obligations, and she says there’s no one better than Ryan “to lead us in that calling.”

Democrats have nominated Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, with fellow California Democrat Xavier Becerra saying Pelosi — a former speaker herself — “understands how to get things done.”

Voting is underway.

9:40 a.m.

Colleagues have given outgoing House Speaker John Boehner a standing ovation, and the Ohio lawmaker raised a box of tissues moments before delivering a farewell address.

Boehner is well known for sentimental tears, especially at major events.

Boehner says he’s leaving Congress “with no regrets and no burden.” He calls the House “the great embodiment of the American dream.”

9:35 a.m.

Rep. Paul Ryan’s family is in the House gallery ahead of his swearing-in as speaker.

His wife, Janna, is smiling and waving at people in the gallery.

Their three children — 13-year-old Liza, 12-year-old Charlie and 10-year-old Sam — look less than thrilled.

But the Wisconsin lawmaker is holding court on the House floor, greeting well-wishers in a jovial mood.

9:15 a.m.

Speaker John Boehner is opening the House session and summoning all 435 members to the chamber for a historic vote.

One by one, lawmakers are set to cast their vote aloud for a new speaker — and it’s expected to be Rep. Paul Ryan.

Boehner, R-Ohio, is resigning from Congress.

The opening prayer comes from Ryan’s longtime pastor — the Rev. Donn Heiar, a Catholic priest from Janesville, Wisconsin, which is the lawmaker’s home town.

8:30 a.m.

On Rep. Paul Ryan’s big day, his 2012 running mate, Mitt Romney, plans to be among the guests watching the pomp and politics in the House.

Ryan’s office says Romney, the former Massachusetts governor who was the GOP presidential nominee, and his wife, Ann, are joining Ryan’s family in the speaker’s box as the House is expected to make the Wisconsin congressman the 54th speaker.

Ryan was Romney’s vice presidential pick three years ago.

Also on the attendance list: Ryan’s wife, Janna, and their three children — 13-year-old Liza, 12-year-old Charlie and 10-year-old Sam.

Who else? Ryan’s mother, Betty Douglas, sister Janet and brothers Stan and Tobin.

Ryan has insisted that he won’t let the new job interfere with his family time in Wisconsin.

Expect Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington state, who’s a member of the Republican leadership, to nominate Ryan to be speaker.

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