By the end of the Republican convention in the Twin Cities, even the most die-hard GOPer was ready to go home. But for one planeful of passengers trying to leave the Minneapolis airport Friday, one man stood in their way.
Staffers from the Republican National Committee and the campaign of Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), as well as Republican delegates, were
among the passengers sitting on the tarmac, waiting for wheels up, when the airplane’s pilot announced that the plane was waiting for a passenger to arrive before it could depart, an HOH tipster says.
The delay might have been irritating, but still, some of the folks on board must have been wondering just who was this tardy — and clearly important — passenger. Surely hearts must have thrilled at the possibilities ... Was it Rudy? Fred? Grover?
Before long, the waited-for traveler made his appearance: It was none other than Rep. David Obey (D-Wis.), chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and a favorite punching bag for conservatives. Obey took his seat in the first-class section, and the plane was soon on its way, our spy says.
And speaking of political types making that long trip home: An HOH operative spotted embattled Alaska Republican Sen. Ted Stevens making his way back to Washington on a Friday flight. Stevens, who’s facing corruption charges, might not be his party’s favorite son. But you wouldn’t know it by his seat number — the Alaskan snagged seat 1A.
You Are What You Drink. In this contentious election season, Republicans and Democrats don’t just take opposite sides of most policy issues; they’re also split on where to eat, what bars to frequent and what newspaper to read.
The Liaison Capitol Hill, the swanky, recently renovated spot on New Jersey Avenue Northwest, is capitalizing on the city’s partisan mood with a special “Pick Your Party” package geared toward out-of-towners seeking to feel like political insiders.
For $219, guests get a guide to restaurants and bars favored by the political party of their choice (Democratic picks include Busboys and Poets and the Pour House, while Republicans favor Old Ebbitt Grille and the Bush twin hangout Smith Point), along with a picnic basket full of “American culinary delights” and a “Not for Tourists” city guide. And to ensure folks stay on top of the issues, Democrats receive a copy of the Washington Post, while Republicans get the Washington Times.
General Manager Dani Elhachem tells HOH that the Liaison already has received hundreds of reservations for the package, which is part of the hotel’s effort to shake things up on Capitol Hill.
“There’s nothing stuffy about our hotel,” Elhachem said. “Capitol Hill in general has been looking for something fun and different and new and exciting, and I think we’re pretty confident that we’re doing that.”
Also using the Republican-Democrat split as marketing fodder is the Source by Wolfgang Puck. The swanky restaurant created special election-themed dishes based on the flavors of Illinois and Arizona, the home states of presidential contenders Sens. Barack Obama (D) and John McCain (R), respectively.
Rep. Bill Cassidy has his blood drawn by Alesha Barbour during a free hepatitis screening in the Rayburn House Office Building hosted by the Congressional Viral Hepatitis Caucus to recognize "National Viral Hepatitis Testing Day."
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