McMorris: Palin a 'bold and exciting' pick

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Spokane), the 5th District Congresswoman who is Co-Chair of the Congressional Women's Caucus, issued a statement on Sen. John McCain's selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin this morning praising the choice.

"Sarah Palin brings to the Republican ticket a unique and important perspective that is grounded in her role as a wife, mother of five, governor and someone who isn't afraid to shake up the status quo.

"This is a bold and exciting pick that demonstrates the Republican Party is focused on the future and changing how Washington, DC does business.  As an outsider, Governor Palin has a solid record of making government work better including fighting for landmark ethics reform - she will bring that same focus to Washington, DC."

McMorris and Palin have a few things in common, besides their Republican Party membership. They both share the experience of having small children with Down Syndrome and have inland empire roots. Palin was born in Sandpoint, Idaho.

"Finally, as a Westerner, Governor Palin understands the values and ideals that make our region unique.  She has been a strong advocate of meeting our energy needs with American energy, she understands the importance of our resource economy, and is a strong protector of our individual freedoms."