McMorris Rodgers Kicks Off Re-Election Bid

SPOKANE (AP) — Eastern Washington Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers announced that she will seek a third term in Congress.

The Republican represents Washington’s 5th District in the House of Representatives, which covers Spokane as well as the Eastern third of Washington state.

McMorris Rodgers won an open seat in 2004 and will be considered the favorite in a Republican district. Last month, Mark Mays of Spokane announced he will run as a Democrat for the seat.

She drew attention last April when she became one of the few congresswomen to give birth while in office.

McMorris Rodgers appeared on Good Morning Northwest Monday morning where she touched on her political future, saying she draws her inspiration for reelection from “the great people of Eastern Washington.”

She also spoke briefly about the Iraq war, claiming, “Militarily we’re doing well [but] politically we’re still disapointed with the progress that’s being made in setting up this democratic government in Iraq.”

She also mentioned that America needs a “comprehensive energy solution” and talked about Boeing’s appeal
 over being denied a supertanker contract from the US government, something that likely would have provided a boost to the local jobforce and economy.