It' well known he is an alcoholic.
I think he's just a coward. It's easier to cave than it is to man up.
Now that Republicans have won in a landslide and were elected to STOP the democrats, now is the time to petition the Republicans to dump "Boner". The man is nothing but a limp noodle.
Boehner gained control of the GOP House in 1996. Read about his coup against Conservatives in this bio of former Congressman Bill Paxon. You'll see just who Boehner is and what he has done. A few more bonus names you'll recognize as well appear in the article. Boehner is not being blackmailed. He's on a deliberate course to shut out Conservatism.