McMorris Rodgers to give GOP response to Obama

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., chair of the Republican Conference.

WASHINGTON – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the highest ranking Republican woman in Congress, will give the party's response to President Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday.

The Washington state congresswoman chairs the House Republican conference, is a mother with a new baby and two other children, and often speaks out on issues affecting families. She's in her fifth term representing an eastern Washington district.

She said she's looking forward to speaking to Americans in every corner of the country on Tuesday and to share the Republican vision for a better future.

The annual response is often awarded to promising politicians but can be tricky to give successfully since it's before a camera instead of a live audience.

The party's House and Senate leaders jointly announced the selection Thursday.