Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers smiled, hesitated and then dodged a question that could have earned her plenty of press – and grief: She declined an invitation to endorse a Republican presidential candidate today.

Eastern Washington’s representative and member of the U.S. House’s Republican leadership team was wrapping up her appearance at the Spokane City Forum when an anonymous questioner quizzed McMorris-Rodgers’ preferences.

She didn’t take the bait.

We’ll have to wait, perhaps after a clear front-runner emerges next year. No surprises there.

McMorris Rodgers revisited her standard talking points, including cutting federal regulations, slashing federal spending, repealing federal health care reform, and passing a balanced-budget amendment.

These City Forums are a worthwhile $10 affair. The speakers are important, local and relevant. Check it out at www.spokanecityforum.org