The Biggest Long Shot

Press Release

In a new biographical video, the story of John Boehner's life is told through the lens of the people who have shaped him into the man and public servant that he is -- a man who remains true to his Southwest Ohio roots, where he still lives today.

"The Biggest Long Shot" features interviews with Debbie Boehner, John's wife, Jerry Vanden Eyden, John's childhood friend, as well as former Moeller and Notre Dame football coach, Gerry Faust.

As a teenager, Rep. Boehner played football at Cincinnati's Moeller High School under Coach Faust. "He taught us there's nothing in this world you can't accomplish -- nothing you can't succeed at -- if you're willing to work hard enough, and if you're willing to make the sacrifices that are necessary," Boehner says of the lessons he learned from Coach Faust.

In the video, Boehner goes on to talk more about the significant influence Faust had on his life, including a phone call in 2006 on the morning of the contested vote for Majority Leader:

BOEHNER: "Mr. [Tom] DeLay made his announcement in 2006 that he was stepping down. After mass we went up to Pete's Diner where I have breakfast every morning, had breakfast and came out of breakfast and my phone's ringing. And it was Coach Faust."

FAUST: "He says, "Coach!' I said, "Am I bothering you?' He said, "No, I'm walking.' I said, "You know, I was thinking about you. I was praying my rosary.'"

BOEHNER: "God's never talked to me directly but this is about as close as I've ever come."

FAUST: "I said, "I want to tell you something. You're going for the Majority Leader. Don't quit. You never quit in high school. You may not get it the first time. It's just like football. We may have to … snap more than once to punt, but eventually we're going to win the game. You stick with it.' He said, "I will coach.' He did and he won … ."

And just this week, the same John Boehner who the people of Ohio's 8th District sent to Capitol Hill to take on the establishment and fight for a smaller, less costly, and more accountable government reminded: "I'm the most anti-establishment Speaker we've ever had. Who was the guy who got rid of earmarks? Me.…"

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