Lawmakers have a message to deliver — happy birthday

Up-and-coming House Republicans typically use weekly leadership press conferences to promote the party’s message and grab some face-time in front of television cameras. But on Tuesday, two lawmakers took advantage of the spotlight to wish their children happy birthday.

Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.) went first Tuesday morning when she asked Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) for “a point of personal privilege” to salute her son, Ben, on the North Carolina State University student’s 19th birthday.

{mosads}“And I hope you’re studying for your exam today. Go Wolfpack!” she added, as reporters and Republican leaders chuckled.

Not to be outdone, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) offered up her own birthday greeting to her son, Cole, when she took the microphone a few minutes later.

“Allow me to start,” she said with a smiling nod to Ellmers, “by wishing my son, Cole, a happy birthday! He’s seven years old today.”