Biography:

Cathy Anne McMorris was born on May 22, 1969, in Salem, Ore. Her family moved to Kettle Falls, Wash., where they operated the Peachcrest Fruitbasket orchard and produce stand.

From 1984 to 1998, Cathy McMorris helped run the family business. She earned a bachelor's degree in pre-law from Pensacola Christian College in Florida, then returned to continue working at the family business.

From 1990 to 1994, she was a legislative assistant to state Rep. Bob Morton. When state Sen. Scott Barr retired and Morton was appointed to fill his seat, Cathy McMorris was appointed to succeed Morton in December 1993.

She was sworn in to the state house in January 1994, won election in September 1994 and was re-elected overwhelmingly in 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002, becoming house minority leader from 2002-2004. She earned a master's degree in business administration from the University of Washington in 2000.

In September 2003, McMorris announced she would resign her house leadership position to run for the 5th District Congressional District seat held by GOP Rep. George Nethercutt, who stepped down to run for U.S. senate against Democratic incumbent Sen. Patty Murray. McMorris defeated Republican challengers state Sen. Larry Sheahan and Spokane attorney Shawn Cross in the primary.

McMorris is single.

Past Campaigns:

Cathy McMorris was appointed in January 1994 to succeed Rep. Bob Morton, who was appointed to the Senate.

She was re-elected overwhelmingly in 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002, becoming house minority leader from 2002-2004.

She received nearly 50 percent of the Republican vote in a three-way 5th Congressional District primary against state Sen. Larry Sheahan and Spokane attorney Shawn Cross. She faces Democrat Don Barbieri for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt.

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