Rising GOP star, McMorris Rodgers, faces ethics probe
(CNN) - U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a rising political star who gave the Republican response to the State of the Union address last week, is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegations she improperly mixed campaign money and official office funds to finance a bid for a party leadership post.
McMorris Rodgers won the House Republican Conference chairmanship - the fourth-highest position in the GOP leadership - after the 2012 election, beating Rep. Tom Price of Georgia.
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As one of only 19 women out of more than 230 House Republicans, McMorris Rodgers frequently serves as the top spokeswoman for the Republican Party's outreach to women.
The Ethics Committee revealed its investigation on Thursday in a statement. It acknowledging that the matter had been referred to the panel in December by the independent Office of Congressional Ethics.
A source close to the inquiry told CNN that a former staffer for McMorris Rodgers filed the initial complaint.
According to House Rules, members are allowed to use money from personal campaign accounts and official office allowances to cover costs incurred in leadership races. But there are restrictions on mixing the two and on the types of activities that can be paid for with the funds.
Nate Hodson, a spokesman for McMorris Rodgers, responded to the investigation.
"We are confident that every activity was compliant with all federal laws, House rules, and standards of conduct. We are fully cooperating and look forward to seeing this matter dismissed," he said.
In a statement to CNN, McMorris Rodgers' attorney called the investigation "an unfortunate rite of passage for many members of Congress" and said she has "fully cooperated" with the OCE.
"We are confident that the committee will ultimately find that the allegations were baseless and that her office always followed all laws, rules and standards of conduct," Eliot Berke said.
The Ethics Committee said it would announce its "course of action" by March 24.
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Rising GOP star? The leadership picked this personality-devoid nobody in a hurry after they lost Christie, because all the other big GOP names are against the establishment. She's a joke and nobody cares about her. Stop trying to marginalize Republicans with her.
I feel sorry for people who look at this politician and think "Star."
Add this to CC show.......and then "strongman" Cruz, and you get what rising among GOPers is all about.
What? Another one? Where does the Republican Party get these people? It's almost as if the GOP is trying to put itself out of its misery. On the up side, it seems to be working.
Just another Republican crooked politician! Just with a pretty face. I'm confident that our good Republican leadership will bury this along with all the other transgressions. But God help her if she was a Democrat!
Couldnt agree more,At leas tBarack had the guts to stand up and try to lift us out of the Bush toilet!!!!
The GOP has run a hate campaign against the President of the United States,Its really treasonous,!the hate has come from the rich Republicans!
Clearly the Middle class has been the target from the start,,,,Clean out this party and elect people who really represent the citizens these millionaires are supposed to be representing!!!!
Identify the true enemies of America,Like the Kochs, and send them packing,,,,By the way the Next President is Hillary!!!!!
I found her account of how she worked hard to achieve her goals in life interesting. However, once again there was little if any statements as to what she or her party are going to do to move the country ahead. Three different GOP responses to one SOTU address,... it would appear that there is no clear GOP objective other than to criticize and oppose everything the POTUS says or does.
What's new? Guns Over People tea potty wingnut involved. ALWAYS follow the money.
I thought this was a typical republican trait , they are all un-ethical
.................Ah,......yes...........The continuing GOP WAY............Cant Win?>.......................CHEAT...............
I must have missed your article on the IRS hearings. Oh, I guess that's not news?? Come on CNN, report ALL the news!!!
Wake up People!
Can you imagine how much better the USA would be if the GOP had put as much time and energy into helping the POTUS instead of opposing everything he does?
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One thing's for certain: we will never know the answer to that one.
The GOP and their short bus of Teatards will not go down with the ship but they will take all the life rafts for themselves if it ever sprung a leak.
WOW!!!!!!! read the posts from the left. have you ever heard such vile hate/ Is this what you want to lead this country??
Anyone who crosses Obama knows to expect to be probed, hope she likes the IRS visits that will be coming next!
@Wake up people- Did you pat attention to politics before Obama was elected? People treated Bush, Clinton, Carter, and other potus the same way. Repubs and Dems have never gotten along, this didn`t just start because of Obama. You need to wake up!