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June 11th, 2012
09:23 AM ET

For GOP star, mom, challenges go beyond Congress

By Lisa Sylvester, CNN

Washington (CNN) - Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers' life is like a well-conducted orchestra: Everything happens on cue in precisely the right note.

That's on most days. But other days she readily admits things don't always happen so smoothly.

"There aren't enough hours in the day. You always want more time," McMorris Rodgers says. "That's the continual challenge."

McMorris Rodgers is one of 76 women in the House of Representatives. She's the only woman in the House Republican leadership and has been mentioned as a possible running mate for Mitt Romney.

Elected in 2004 to represent the 5th Congressional District in eastern Washington state, McMorris Rodgers has climbed the ranks in Congress, serving on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and as vice chair of the House Republican Conference.

But like many, her work is only part of what defines her. Central in her life are her husband, Brian Rodgers, and their two children, 18-month-old Grace and Cole, 5.

McMorris Rodgers holds the distinction of being the only member of Congress to give birth twice while in office.

Read the full story

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Filed under: Disabilities • Family • Politics • Who we are • Women
soundoff (4 Responses)
  1. Norm

    Great...our tax dollars paying for her maternity leave...more than once already.

    June 20, 2012 at 4:52 pm | Report abuse | Reply
  2. The high wire

    As a circus performer, I can say juggling mothers isn't easy. The more you know.

    June 11, 2012 at 3:22 pm | Report abuse | Reply
  3. Baby Babby

    cool story, bro.

    June 11, 2012 at 3:20 pm | Report abuse | Reply
  4. Fed Up

    Another unqualified female running mate? Did the GOP not learn anything four years ago?

    June 11, 2012 at 3:06 pm | Report abuse | Reply

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