Congress

N.C.’s members of Congress place their bets on Carolina Panthers

By Anna Douglas

adouglas@mcclatchydc.com

January 22, 2016 12:05 PM

Is Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr., shown during practice this week, thinking about how his team’s win over the Cardinals this Sunday would net some Arizona tamales for U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers?
Is Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr., shown during practice this week, thinking about how his team’s win over the Cardinals this Sunday would net some Arizona tamales for U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers? David T. Foster III Charlotte Observer
Is Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr., shown during practice this week, thinking about how his team’s win over the Cardinals this Sunday would net some Arizona tamales for U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers? David T. Foster III Charlotte Observer
WASHINGTON

The Panthers’ advance to the NFC Championship football game, to be played at home in Charlotte on Sunday, gave North Carolina’s politicians in Washington another chance to wage friendly bets with their colleagues.

U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-N.C., hopes a Carolina win Sunday night will net her a dozen tamales from Arizona – courtesy of Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz. If the Arizona Cardinals beat the Panthers, Ellmers will give the Phoenix congresswoman peach fritters and donuts from Sherry’s Bakery in Dunn, N.C., Ellmers’ hometown.

Last week, when the Panthers toppled the Seattle Seahawks, several North Carolina members of Congress cashed in on friendly wagers. Reps. Robert Pittenger, Alma Adams and Patrick McHenry got Seattle salmon and specialty chocolate from Rep. Jim Dermott, D-Wash. Had the Panthers lost, Pittenger had promised his colleague the Salisbury, N.C.-founded Cheerwine soda and Bojangles chicken.

Now, Arizona Republican Rep. David Schweikert has taken N.C.’s delegation up on the offer of Cheerwine and Bojangles. And, Schweikert will provide “Goldwater” chili, should the Cardinals win.

Adams had wagered a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts. This week, she’s put homemade cookies on the table, from Carolina Cookie Company in Greensboro.

The Panthers’ 16-1 record – making them the winningest team in the NFL this season – has given North Carolina politicians plenty of reason to have a little fun lately. The winner of Sunday’s game goes to the Super Bowl.

Last week, N.C. Governor Pat McCrory was spotted in the Bank of America stadium “dabbing” in the stands as the Panthers’ paved their way to a 31-24 victory.

Anna Douglas: 202-383-6012, @ADouglasNews

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