(Washington D.C.)  Freshmen Members Cathy McMorris (WA-05) and Patrick McHenry (NC-10) see eye-to-eye on many key issues, except when it comes to football. Normally working for the same team, the two will face off this Sunday as their home-state teams the Seattle Seahawks and the Carolina Panthers play for the National Football Conference Championship. To make the game more interesting, McMorris bet McHenry a Northwest salmon dinner if the Seahawks lose and McHenry will offer up a BBQ dinner if the Panthers are defeated.

“The Panthers are going to be in for a rude awakening when they visit the Evergreen State and fall prey to our home-field advantage,” said McMorris. “With our flawless home record, the skills of the reigning MVP Shaun Alexander and the help of our 12th man, Seattle’s faithful fans, I have no doubt that the only rain in Seattle this Sunday will be the tears of disappointment from Congressman McHenry’s staff as they deliver us a great Carolina BBQ dinner.”

“Sure, the Seahawks have yet to lose at home this season, but I’ve got two words for them: Jake Delhomme,” said McHenry. “I predict that after Sunday, my good friend Congresswoman McMorris will be sending me salmon while her Seahawks’ season sleeps with the fishes.”

The two members are in their home districts for January recess and will be unable to watch the game together, although the opportunity to gloat is only a phone call away. The winner of this game will go on to play the AFC Champion, either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Denver Broncos, in the Super Bowl.