Some people in the Ohio district that House Speaker John Boehner (BAY’-ner) first won in 1990 say they’re not shocked that he’s stepping down, although the timing caught them by surprise.

Veterans’ issues activist Harry Prestanski (pres-TAN’-skee) in Boehner’s hometown of West Chester Township says the congressman has endured many political battles and attacks in recent years. But he says Boehner still enjoys great support in the 8th district that stretches across six counties north of Cincinnati.

Tea party leader Ann Becker, who lives near Boehner in suburban West Chester, has been critical of him over such issues as the increasing national debt and federal role in education.

She says she looks forward to a change and expects the open seat to draw much interest.

Prestanski calls it “the end of a great run.”

(AP)