Not true. The Speaker is chosen by an absolute majority of votes cast. If enough Republicans protest Boehner and do it the wrong way, by abstaining, Pelosi could receive that majority.
The tantrums about "We need to be rid of Boehner even if it's Pelosi" need to be seriously re-examined. We do need to be rid of Boehner, but replaced with a conservative.
Boehners best protection is that right now there is no clear alternative.
Boehners best protection is that right now there is no clear alternative.