Red and blue congressional staffers compete to raise green for charity

A group called So Others Might Eat is holding what it’s dubbed “the greatest political tipping contest this election season” — raising money for charity with Thursday’s Democrats-versus-Republicans bartending-for-tips contest.

Matthew Mazonkey, chief of staff to Rep. Mark Critz (D-Pa.), says the fundraiser is a chance to bring both parties together to have some fun while supporting a great cause. But he’s still working on perfecting that signature drink, saying, “I’m pretty much a ‘wing-it’ kind of person when it comes to food and beverages — throw a few things in a shaker and call it ‘signature.’ I guess I should start practicing my begging for tips.”

Catlin O’Neill, who serves as chief of staff to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), says she plans on mixing up a libation she calls “Red to Blue.” She explains of her concoction, “With the grenadine and curacao, it may well turn you purple.”

Proceeds from the mixology showdown will benefit the renovation of an apartment building for homeless veterans.

Tickets to Thursday night’s bartending faceoff at Capitol Hill watering hole Pour House start at $25 for federal employees.

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