Senate-Style Football

Jan. 19, 2007 — -- Iraq. The War on Terror. Medicare. Ethics reform. Saints vs. Bears? Colts vs. Pats? As the 110th Congress grinds its way from the starting gate, there's a lot of debate, even about football.

In Chicago, Sunday's gridiron battle on the frozen tundra of Soldier Field will reverberate all the way to the hallowed halls of Congress. Senators from Illinois and Louisiana have made some friendly wagers on the NFC Championship game between the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints. Not only will the winning senators get to cheer the victors on as they advance to next month's Super Bowl, but they will also have the pleasure of watching their defeated colleagues praise the winning team on the floor of the Senate. And, if that's not enough, senators representing the winning teams will get to enjoy hand-delivered regional cuisine courtesy of the losers.

Sen. David Vitter, R-La., likes the Saints' chances as they attempt to continue their fairy-tale season with a win in Chicago. "My colleagues from Illinois should start writing their speeches and ordering the food in advance," said Vitter, "because the Saints are this year's team of destiny."

Vitter's rival contingent from Illinois is equally optimistic about the top-seeded Bears. "This week, the Saints don't have a prayer in Chicago," said Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill. "We're going to be rooting for da Bears and cheering them all the way to Miami."

Durbin's fellow senator from Illinois and presidential hopeful Barack Obama agrees. "I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The Bears are going all the way baby!"

To do so, the Bears will have to knock off the Saints, this year's surprise team in the NFL. In a turnaround greatly relevant to its city, the team formerly branded "The 'Aints" rebounded from last year's tumultuous season marred by Hurricane Katrina and a temporary relocation to San Antonio. New Orleans, bolstered by the acquisitions of quarterback Drew Brees, rookie running back Reggie Bush and coach of the year Sean Payton, posted a record of 10-6 after last season's 3-13 debacle. Now they stand one game away from the Super Bowl.