Top GOP Female Says Judge Gov. Haley On Ability, Not Looks

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The House's highest-ranking Republican woman says South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley should be judged on her abilities, not her looks.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, chair of the Republican Conference, was asked about Rep. Steve King's comment to The Associated Press that Haley wasn't a "principled conservative" in the GOP, but "I think she's beautiful so I'd be happy if she's the face of the party."

McMorris Rodgers replied: "Nikki Haley is a proven leader. And that is what she should be judged on."

Haley delivered the GOP response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address, saying legal immigrants should be welcomed to the country as long as they're properly vetted. She urged people to resist the temptation to "follow the siren call of the angriest voices."

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