Her personal background is pretty relevant and no, it wasn't taken out of context. A leopard cannot changes its spots. She can explain as much as she like to, it doesn't change the facts that these events did take place. So yes, it does matter since she is running for office.
It's interesting how some people were so quick to jump on President Obama over anything from the very beginning... yet not O'Donnell. Why is this?
Jobs? Security? Debt? Life? Values? Spending? Accountability?
All of the politicians have to take a stand somewhere on these issues even if they have to lie which they usually do anyway. They'll say anything to get a vote.
Don't put all of your eggs in one basket or it'll get ugly. Politicians are like diapers, you got to change them so often or they'll start to smell. Unfortunately, it's too late. There's piles of them and they just keep adding more and more.