BETS CASE OF FLORIDA ORANGES AGAINST COLLEAGUE’S GIFT BASKET OF BEDRE CHOCOLATES PRODUCED BY THE CHICKASAW NATION IN OKLAHOMA

Washington, Jan 5, 2009 - “I am honored to represent the University of Florida in Congress, and that distinction provides me many opportunities to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of the school,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). “I look forward to the Florida Gators again winning the College BCS Championship in Miami. In expressing my confidence in the Gators, I am wagering a case of Florida oranges against my colleague, Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma’s Fourth District, who represents the University of Oklahoma. An enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation, Tom is putting up a gift basket of chocolates produced by Bedre, a company owned by the Chickasaw Tribe.”

Rep. Cole is the only Native American currently serving in Congress and taught history and politics in college after earning his Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma. Cole recently served as Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee.

The University of Florida’s men’s football team will play the Oklahoma Sooners on Thursday, January 8th in the BCS Championship. Added Stearns, “I expect a good game and commend the Sooners on their excellent season. I have great respect for the University of Oklahoma and the school’s president, former U.S. Senator David Boren. Interestingly, President’s Boren’s son, Dan Boren, now serves in Congress representing the Second District of Oklahoma.”