Boehner Defends Limbaugh

House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) offered an impassioned defense of conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh Wednesday, stoking the embers of a "controversy" that won't seem to go away (in large part because we won't let it).

He even pledges to marshall his members in support of Limbaugh if Democrats bring a measure to the floor condemning his comments about "phony soldiers" that the radio host says were taken way, way, way out of context.

“All it takes to conclude that this is a manufactured controversy is a simple, cursory review of Mr. Limbaugh’s remarks, so pardon me if I am not moved by the crocodile tears shed by left-wing activists in recent days," Boehner said in a statement released by his office.

"Moveon.org and its cohorts on and off the Hill would certainly like to change the subject away from the slanderous advertisement they placed in the New York Times about U.S. General David Petraeus, but they are not going to distract anyone with a controversy manufactured out of whole cloth. Frankly, there can be no comparison.

“Limbaugh’s strong support of and charity for U.S. troops is well established and was even recognized by the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation. Unlike Democratic leaders, Rush’s goal is to boost troop morale, not depress it by stalling the resources troops need to complete their mission. Should House Democrats decide to bring forward a ludicrous resolution condemning Limbaugh, Republicans will take to the floor to set the record straight – and welcome the opportunity to do so.”