What better way to celebrate passing history-making legislation than kicking back at a dive bar famous for its cheap beer and taxidermy-heavy décor? A large group of House Democrats defied cigar-and-champagne stereotypes by partying down until the wee hours after the health care vote at the decidedly downscale Tune Inn on Pennsylvania Avenue.
HOH spies say the gaggle of jubilant Democrats included Rep. John Larson (Conn.), who got a roar of welcome when he entered the bar; Rep. Joe Crowley (N.Y.), who was briefly spotted standing behind the bar, handing out drinks; and Reps. John Boccieri (Ohio), Melissa Bean (Ill.), Tom Perriello (Va.) and Jerry Costello (Ill.).
Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), who had been the center of attention all weekend after resisting the abortion-related language in the bill but ultimately voting for the package, was among Tune Inn’s revelers. An HOH spy says Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) planted a giant kiss on Stupak’s cheek.
The celebration continued until the bar issued its last call for drinks, our tipsters say. And they report that when Crowley exited the bar, he did so to celebratory chants of “Crow-ley, Crow-ley!”
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