Neither the popular book “This Town,” that’s upset some about Washington’s incestuous relationships, nor the specter of former Vice President Dan Quayle’s infamous spelling of “potatoe,” are slowing the planning for a rare 100-year event: a spelling bee contest between the media and lawmakers.
The National Press Club is reenacting the last bee that occurred in 1913 and was attended by President Wilson. An Ohio congressman won. “Now the journalists are spoiling for a rematch,” said the Club’s Gil Klein.
The event to crown the “Best Speller in the United States,” takes place Sept. 18 is a fundraiser for the Club’s Journalism Institute.
It will be a classic “This Town” event: Not only are big shot reporters and lawmakers getting together for some fun and competition, but the city’s ever-lasting political entertainer, satirist Mark Russell will be providing some commentary. Merriam-Webster will bring the words.
Here’s the lineup:
Politicians
Rep. Matt Cartwright
Rep. Gerry Connolly
Sen. Chris Coons
Rep. Peter DeFazio
Rep. Ted Deutch
Rep. Anna Eshoo
Sen. Jeff Flake
Sen Tim Kaine
Sen. Christopher Murphy
Media
Howard Fineman, Huffington Post
Ed Henry, Fox News
Major Garrett, CBS News
Kate Nocera, Buzzfeed
Rebecca Sinderbrand, Politico
Meredith Shiner, Roll Call
Ashley Southall, New York Times
Karen Tumulty, Washington Post
Toby Zakaria, Reuters
Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
