House GOP Leader Calls Smoking 'a Bad Habit'

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republican leader John Boehner isn't planning on giving up his cigarettes, even if he becomes House speaker.

The Ohio lawmaker was asked on CBS' "Face the Nation" how he could keep smoking given the connection between cigarettes and cancer.

Boehner said tobacco is legal and people have a right to decide for themselves whether to smoke or not.

Asked if people should be encouraged not to smoke, Boehner said he wished he didn't have what he called "this bad habit."

President Barack Obama smokes on occasion, and Boehner was asked if it might be a good thing if he and Obama quit together.

Boehner's answer to moderator Bob Schieffer: "I appreciate your suggestion."