Is Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers now the most nationally recognized Republican politician from Washington state? Seems likely to me: Her response to the State of the Union didn't burn anyone's barn down, but it was at least notably gaffe-free. So that makes this Wire story from Sara Morrison a blow for the state's Republican party:

Washington Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who you might remember as the water-break-free reader of the Republicans' response to the 2014 State of the Union address, is now facing an investigation by the House Ethics Committee over allegations that she used taxpayer funds on her most recent campaign.

In a report released to the public today but dated last December, the Office of Congressional Ethics stated that there is "substantial reason to believe" that McMorris Rodgers used congressional funds, staff and office space for campaign activities, that her campaign consultant performed official duties, and that she "improperly combined congressional resources and campaign resources to produce a mailing and video for her leadership race."

McMorris Rodgers denies these allegations. And the Ethics Committee isn't publicly pursuing the case, opting instead to handle the matter "internally." Experts seem to agree this means that McMorris Rodgers will not likely "face any charges or sanctions." Hooray for Ethics Committees!