Who was that former congressional intern on the new CBS Tommy Hilfiger show “The Cut”? It was Shannon Rusbuldt, 21, former intern for Rep. Mike Oxley (R-Ohio) and Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.).

While she still occasionally works in the political arena (she was a volunteer on George Bush’s presidential campaign), she is currently pursuing a modeling career in New York City.

Rusbuldt appeared in TV commercials, various publications such as Salon Magazine and ads for Von Dutch jeans and has done runway modeling in New York. Her father, Robert Rusbuldt, a former Hill staffer, is the CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.

Shannon says that politics runs in her family and in her veins: “I have no doubt that at some point I will be heavily involved in politics again, but for now I have to strike in this line of work while the iron is hot.”

Not all friendships are created equal.

Republican Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.) told The Hill at a breakfast last week in the Senate Dining Room that his closest friend in the freshman class is Democratic Sen. Ken Salazar (Colo.).

But when Salazar later was asked about the best-friend status between the two freshman senators, he stiffened and replied that he has many friends in the Senate. Salazar is apparently reserving that BFF (best friends forever) status for someone else.

In other freshman relationship matters, Martinez said that initially he and his Republican freshman classmates, including Tom Coburn (Okla.) and Jim DeMint (S.C.), were close, implying that they have since grown somewhat apart. He said Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) is “quiet and not easy to talk to” and that Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) “does his own thing.” But he added that he talks regularly with Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and has worked on Social Security issues with DeMint.

Perhaps a new BFF is in order.

Capitol Entertainment Group promises future fun in D.C.
The newly formed Capitol Entertainment Group, a company dedicated to bringing good times to Washington, recently hosted “Party on the Potomac” at Cantina Marina on the Southwest waterfront for what it plans to be an annual Fourth of July event.

The crowd, largely those who work on Capitol Hill and K Street, was clad in preppy, patriotic attire.

Eight Hill staffers and lobbyists conceived of the company in January to promote social events in Washington. The company plans to throw several parties throughout the year with philanthropic interests in mind. A portion of the July 4 party proceeds was donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Kristin Gore to participate in Penn Quarter book reading
On Thursday, July 28, at 7 p.m., Kristin Gore, daughter of former Veep Al Gore and his wife, Tipper, will appear at Olsson’s in Penn Quarter to read from her debut novel, just published in paperback, Sammy’s Hill.

Gore, an Emmy-nominated comedy writer, is known for her work as a writer on television shows such as “Saturday Night Live” and the Fox animated series “Futurama.” Her novel details the fictitious life of Samantha Joyce, a domestic-policy adviser to an Ohio senator, and includes the trials and tribulations of dating Capitol Hill men.

Olsson’s is located at 418 7th St. N.W. For more information, call (202) 638-7610.

Announcements

Staffer and lobbyist get engaged
Jen Daulby, 29, counsel for the House Agriculture Committee, accepted a marriage proposal from her boyfriend, Ed Kaleta, on the Speaker’s Balcony last month.

Kaleta, 32, is a lobbyist for Humana. The couple have been dating for a year and a half. They met while Daulby was a legislative assistant for Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) and Kaleta was a lobbyist for Caterpillar. Kaleta lobbied Daulby on a labor issue, and one thing led to another. They plan to wed in August 2006.

Capital Club to host party tomorrow
The Capital Club presents the 13th annual Summer Sinatra Soiree tomorrow night. Join the boys for an evening “cocktailing and carousing” to the tunes of the D.C. band Swingtown.

The party starts at 8:30 p.m. at the Galleria at Lafayette Center, 1155 21st St. N.W. Tickets for women are $40 online, $60 at the door; for men, $60 online and $70 at the door. Only cash and checks will be accepted at the door. Attire: For men, it’s “creative pants.” For women, it’s “strong cocktail.”

Tips, complaints and sightings:
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