Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) is Vice Chairman of the House Republican Conference and is best known for her successful effort to ban earmarks. Because of her diligent work, the earmark ban is now supported by practically every GOP Congressman. There are four exceptions including Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX).
First elected in 2004, McMorris Rodgers, 43, is now the highest-ranking Republican woman on Capitol Hill. She is the first Member of Congress in history to give birth twice while in office.
The Congresswoman has an MBA and her husband, an Annapolis graduate, is a retired Navy commander. She was elected to the state legislature at age 24, and served eight years. In her last term she was House Minority Leader.
The lawmaker has a 100% rating from the Chamber of Commerce, 96% from the American Conservative Union, and zero from Americans for Democratic Action.
She has been in the spotlight recently in responding to liberal accusations about a Republican “War on Women.”
She says “To be told that our party fails to protect women is offensive. To be accused of denying access to women’s health is absurd. And to be attacked for limiting opportunities for women is unwarranted. Our mission is clear: we want to open the door of opportunity for all American women.”
You can read more about the contest rules and background at: The 45 Most Admired Republican Women Under 45
Republican Security Council 