Cathy McMorris Rodgers open to being Romney's VP

from USA Today by Catalina Camia:

The only woman in the House Republican leadership team reportedly is open to being Mitt Romney's running mate and would like to see a woman on the ticket.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., vice chairwoman of the House GOP Conference, acknowledged her interest in being Romney's No. 2 in an interview with National Review. She was first elected to the House in 2005.

She said she's not "seeking" to be picked -- and even admirers say she's a long shot -- and wants Romney to choose a conservative and, if possible, a woman.

"Republican women bring an important voice to the table," McMorris Rodgers is quoted as saying. "The big issues that face this country right now — the economy, jobs, the debt, and health care — are on the forefront of people's minds, and especially on women's minds."

The veepstakes have begun in earnest and have taken on the aura of a reality TV show. As USA TODAY's Susan Page reports today, some of Romney's potential running mates are making big speeches, promoting books and are essentially doing "tryouts" in joint appearances with the presumptive GOP nominee.

Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., who is sometimes mentioned as a potential VP choice, was on the campaign trail yesterday with Romney. Her stock went up today on Intrade, where she's now given a 4.4% chance of being the nominee. (Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Ohio Sen. Rob Portman are tops on Intrade.)