Orange alert: 
Boehner’s tan is MIA

If you look closely these days, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) seems to be missing something: his signature tan.

Judging from a slew of appearances during the past three weeks, the GOP leader appears in real danger of losing his longtime status as the tannest member of Congress.

To wit, during a speech last Thursday at the American Enterprise Institute, Boehner’s face appeared downright ... pale.

This is a far cry from last March, when ITK ran a six-month time lapse of Boehner’s skin tone, which was never less than golden, despite the winter weather.

But recent developments lend a fresh credibility to Boehner’s statement last month to The Wall Street Journal. Asked about his perpetually bronzed visage, the Ohio legislator responded, “I have never been in a tanning bed or used a tanning product.”

The White House has mocked Boehner’s tan, especially in recent weeks as President Obama has stepped up his effort to keep Congress in Democratic hands. Last year, Obama called Boehner “a person of color.”

The possible future Speaker of the House has long blamed his tan on lots of golf, mountain biking and yard work. But what is to blame for the recent fade?

Boehner’s spokesman declined to comment on the encroaching pallor, but if you believe what Boehner’s office has said previously, the obvious reasons are: a) the changing seasons and b) the scores of hours Boehner has logged on the campaign trail this fall, stumping for fellow Republicans at VFW halls, community centers and other indoor locales.

If Boehner loses his tan permanently, who will claim the prize as the House’s tannest member? ITK is eyeing Reps. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio) and Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) as possible contenders.

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