U.S. Representative
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McMorris Rodgers could balance Republican ticket
Being mentioned as a possible vice presidential candidate is something like being nominated for an Oscar or an Emmy: One should sound flattered, but not too confident of being the ultimate selection. So it’s not surprising that Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, an Eastern Washington Republican serving her fourth term, deflects questions about the frequent mentions in the political columns and blogs that she might be Mitt Romney’s running mate.
McMorris Rodgers blasts TARP
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers launched her re-election bid this week with familiar criticism of big-government programs – including one that is widely credited with saving hundreds of good-paying jobs in Spokane’s banking sector. Seeking her fifth term, the Republican congresswoman specifically highlighted her opposition to the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the bipartisan, controversial $700 billion intervention that bailed out Wall Street and automakers. It was signed into law by former President George W. Bush amid the financial calamity of late 2008.
Spin Control: War or no war, there’s plenty to fight about
Whether there’s a War on Women being waged by politicians around the country is open to debate. There is definitely a War over the War on Women, and Washington has a top commander on both sides of the battle lines. Field marshal for the Democrats is Sen. Patty Murray, who has been using the phrase “war on women” for months, often in fundraising appeals for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
Gregoire inks health reform
OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire and other Democratic officials marked Friday’s second anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act – which Republicans prefer to call Obamacare – with a signing ceremony of their own. Gregoire signed legislation to help set up health insurance exchanges in Washington, a system that would help individuals and small businesses shop for medical plans by 2014.
Medicare, Medicaid payment boost sought for rural hospitals
WASHINGTON – Rural hospitals in Washington and around the country would receive more federal money for Medicare and Medicaid patients through legislation introduced recently by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. The legislation is designed to help medical facilities that have a high proportion of patients on Medicare and Medicaid, a situation common in many rural communities. The bill would send more money to so-called Disproportionate Share Hospitals by removing the current cap on annual payments to those facilities, said Todd Winer, spokesman for the Republican congresswoman.
McMorris Rodgers pushing Romney for East Side visit
OLYMPIA – In this year’s volatile Republican presidential campaign, Mitt Romney’s success in the March 3 Washington caucuses may depend on how well he does in the two contests earlier in the week, U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the chairwoman of his state campaign, said Wednesday. “It’s up and down,” McMorris Rodgers said in an interview with reporters. “Some of it depends on how things turn out in Michigan and Arizona.”
Cowan throws hat in ring for Congress
A local film director says he’s ready for a career change. Rich Cowan, president and CEO of North by Northwest, a Spokane-based film production company, said Friday that he’s decided to run for Congress this year against U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane.
Spin Control: McMorris Rodgers for veep makes rounds
A political website in the other Washington suggests a certain congresswoman from this Washington could get the No. 2 spot on the GOP presidential ticket this fall. The Daily Caller quotes Republican strategist Kellyanne Conway as saying Cathy McMorris Rodgers would fill the bill as a vice presidential selection that “needs to be a surprise, but not a shocker.”
Cuts shouldn’t hurt Fairchild, lawmaker says
Cuts in U.S. defense spending should have minimal impact on Fairchild Air Force Base, U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers said Friday. Earlier this week, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced $487 billion in cuts over the next decade as the military shifts to strategic missions while reducing personnel.
Bill would spread out medical training slots
WASHINGTON – Congress may try to ease a nationwide shortage of rural family doctors by “growing” more of them in places like Spokane through legislation introduced this week. Members of Washington’s congressional delegation want to increase the number of doctors practicing in small towns and rural areas by changing the federal Graduate Medical Education program, which helps pay for medical residencies.
Democrats see opportunity in 5th District
A former dean of Gonzaga University Law School is among the Democrats considering a campaign against Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers next year. Dan Morrissey, who served as dean from 2001-’04 and now teaches corporate law at the school, said he is exploring his prospects for a race and expects to decide by next month.