Politicians are revved up for the epic battle between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl on Sunday.
On hand at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium will be Rep. Diane DeGette (D-Colo.), the deputy Democratic whip, and Rep. Suzan DelBene
Suzan Kay DelBeneHouse Democrats run late ads defending vulnerable DCCC chair House Democrats introduce bill to invest 0 billion in STEM research and education Democrats sense momentum for expanding child tax credit MORE (D-Wash.).
DelBene is a mega Seahawks fan and longtime season ticket holder, her office said. She once was a high school football referee and regularly schools her staff on the finer points of the NFL rulebook.
DeGette's family has had Broncos season tickets since 1964.
"This will not be her first, having attended the Broncos only Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998,” spokesman Colby Nelson said.
Embattled New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) will also be in the stands, as will New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D), a former congressman, and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D). Major local politicians like Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.), whose district encompasses the stadium, will watch remotely.
Coming as a guest of Jets owner Woody Johnson will be former GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
While Romney, a Patriots fan, hasn't made his preference in the game clear, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor
Eric Ivan CantorSpanberger's GOP challenger raises over .8 million in third quarter The Hill's Campaign Report: Florida hangs in the balance Eric Cantor teams up with former rival Dave Brat in supporting GOP candidate in former district MORE (R-Va.) said Sunday he is rooting for the Seahawks because two top players, including their quarterback, hail from Virginia.
"Not only Russell Wilson, but Michael Robinson is from Richmond, he went to Varina High School. We're looking for a good game and a big win,” Cantor said CBS "Face the Nation."
While other members of Congress's Washington and Colorado delegations are in front of the television for the big game, that hasn't stopped them from laying bets with each other.
The prize goes to Rep. Cory Gardner
Cory GardnerHillicon Valley: Trump fires top federal cybersecurity official, GOP senators push back | Apple to pay 3 million to resolve fight over batteries | Los Angeles Police ban use of third-party facial recognition software Senate passes bill to secure internet-connected devices against cyber vulnerabilities Democrats vent to Schumer over Senate majority failure MORE (R-Colo.), who bet Rocky Mountain oysters — also known as bull calf testicles.
For the Colorado House Democrats, Rep. Jared Polis bet Celestial Seasonings tea, and Rep. Ed Perlmutter, a porter beer. DeGette has bet whiskey and tamales.
For the Colorado Republicans, Rep. Scott Tipton bet toffee, Rep. Doug Lamborn bet sirloin steaks and Rep. Mike Coffman bet ale.
The Washington House delegation as a whole has vowed to give Skittles to the Colorado delegation, if the Seahawks win. Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch is famous for his Skittles habit.
House GOP Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Cathy McMorris RodgersOVERNIGHT ENERGY: Republicans in campaign mode for top spots on House environmental committees | Peterson loss prompts scramble for House Agriculture chair Republicans in campaign mode for top spots on House environmental committees Conservatives seize on New York Post story to push Section 230 reform MORE (R-Wash.) is betting cheese, while DelBene is betting Woodinville wine and smoked salmon.
Rep. Rick Larsen
Richard (Rick) Ray LarsenIt's time for Congress to act: Save jobs and stabilize the aerospace industry Democratic lawmaker calls for stronger focus on trade leverage to raise standards The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Biden, Harris launch Trump offensive in first joint appearance MORE (D) has put gin from Everett's Bluewater Distilling on the line, and Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler
Jaime Lynn Herrera BeutlerHouse Hispanic Republicans welcome four new members GOP Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler wins reelection Mild weather could boost voter turnout on Election Day MORE (R) bet candy from Chehalis Mints. Rep. Doc Hastings
Richard (Doc) Norman HastingsCongress just resolved a 20-year debate over Neolithic remains Boehner hires new press secretary GOP plots new course on Endangered Species Act reform MORE (R) is also betting wine, while Rep. Jim McDermott
James (Jim) Adelbert McDermottSondland has 'no intention of resigning,' associate says Three women accuse Gordon Sondland of sexual misconduct Portland hotel chain founded by Trump ambassador says boycott is attack on employees MORE (D) has Theo Chocolate on the line.
Rep. Derek Kilmer
Derek Christian KilmerHillicon Valley: House panel says Intelligence Community not equipped to address Chinese threats | House approves bill to send cyber resources to state, local governments House approves legislation to send cybersecurity resources to state, local governments Is Congress reasserting itself? MORE (D) has bet caramel apples, and Rep. Dave Reichert
David (Dave) George ReichertRep. Kim Schrier defends Washington House seat from GOP challenger Washington Rep. Kim Schrier wins primary Mail ballot surge places Postal Service under spotlight MORE (R) has chocolate, blueberry pie and apples on the line.
Rep. Adam Smith
David (Adam) Adam SmithOvernight Defense: White House suggests stripping Confederate base names in exchange for repealing tech liability shield | Biden faces mounting hurdles to rejoining Iran deal | Military coronavirus cases up Hillicon Valley: Facebook content moderators demand more workplace protections | Ousted cyber official blasts Giuliani press conference | Tech firms fall short on misinformation targeting Latino vote White House suggests deal to strip Confederate base names in exchange for repealing tech liability shield MORE (D) has bet Vietnamese BBQ and Rep. Denny Heck
Dennis (Denny) Lynn HeckExclusive: Guccifer 2.0 hacked memos expand on Pennsylvania House races Heck enjoys second political wind Incoming lawmaker feeling a bit overwhelmed MORE (D) has bet scone mix.
Over in the Senate, Sens. Michael Bennet
Michael Farrand BennetDemocratic senators urge Facebook to take action on anti-Muslim bigotry Hickenlooper ousts Gardner in Colorado, handing Democrats vital pickup Lobbying world MORE (D-Colo.) and Mark Udall
Mark Emery UdallHickenlooper ousts Gardner in Colorado, handing Democrats vital pickup Live updates: Democrats fight to take control of the Senate The 10 Senate seats most likely to flip MORE (D-Colo.) bet Colorado-raised bison from Tony’s Market, Palisade-grown peaches and a gift certificate to Elway's restaurant if the Seahawks prevail.
Sens. Patty Murray
Patricia (Patty) Lynn MurrayDemocratic anger rises over Trump obstacles to Biden transition DOJ investigation into Epstein deal ends without recommended action The Hill's 12:30 Report: What to know about the Pfizer vaccine announcement MORE (D-Wash.) and Maria Cantwell
Maria Elaine CantwellSenate advances energy regulator nominees despite uncertainty of floor vote OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Esper reportedly working with lawmakers to strip Confederate names from bases | Enemy attacks in Afghanistan jump by 50 percent, watchdog says | Fort Hood soldier arrested, charged in Chelsea Cheatham killing Zuckerberg to express openness to Section 230 reform MORE (D-Wash.) wagered smoked salmon from the Nisqually Indian Tribe, a selection of sauces and honey from Brush Prairie, Wash.-based Honey Ridge Farms, and "12th Man" cupcakes from Cupcake Royale in Seattle if the Broncos win.
Underscoring her status as a fan, Cantwell has posted huge 12th Man flags in her Senate office building window.