WASHINGTON — GOP Rep. John Boehner of Ohio said Sunday he is in the race to be House majority leader while Republican Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri was campaigning for the job after Tom DeLay decided against trying to regain the No. 2 leadership post.

"I want to provide leadership that gives every member a voice in developing a common vision for how we will lead the Congress and restore a sense of trust among members, our leaders, and the American people," Boehner said in a statement.

Blunt, a DeLay protege, has served as acting majority leader when the Texas Republican had temporarily left the leadership post to fight criminal charges in his home state. On Saturday, DeLay stepped down as majority leader, saying, "I cannot allow our adversaries to divide and distract our attention."

DeLay had insisted until this weekend that he would reclaim his duties after clearing his name.