Boehner: GOP Caucus Like Frogs in a Wheelbarrow

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) defended on Sunday his leadership of a “pretty disparate” caucus, noting 89 brand-new members who joined in the Republican rout of 2010.

“I’ve never been shy about leading. But, you know, leaders need followers,” Boehner told ABC’s George Stephanopolous. “…And it’s hard to keep 218 frogs in a wheelbarrow long enough to get a bill passed.”

The speaker said his members were “frustrated” about trying to get bills passed with a Democratic-controlled Senate and a Democrat in the White House.

“If we weren’t trying to do big things on behalf of our country, my job would be a lot easier,” Boehner said. “And the challenge that I have is that we always have some members who want to do more. Well, I want to do more, too, but Republicans are still a minority here in Washington.”

Stephanopolous pressed Boehner on whether ads about President Obama and Rev. Jeremiah Wright should be used in the campaign.

“George, the issue is not Revenue Wright. The issue is the economy,” Boehner said. “…This kind of nonsense shouldn’t happen. The — the election’s going to be about the economy and getting Americans back to work. And I think Governor Romney’s prescriptions are much better.”