Gov. Gregoire, Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell Place Wager on Super Bowl XL

For Immediate Release: January 26, 2006

OLYMPIA � Super Bowl XL between the Seattle Seahawks and the Pittsburgh Steelers February 5 promises to be a classic match up. The competition is contagious, and Governor Chris Gregoire and Governor Edward G. Rendell are putting goods from their respective states on the line in a friendly Super Bowl wager. At stake will be famous culinary favorites from each state, and bragging rights for the chief executives at the upcoming National Governors Association.

Governor Gregoire has put up a Washington classic, a bushel of our finest apples. But with the big game comes bigger stakes and Governor Gregoire has �upped� the ante by adding Ivar�s Clam Chowder and plenty of �Applets and Cotlets,� all to be donated to a Pittsburgh homeless shelter if the Steelers are victorious.

Governor Rendell has countered with one box of Pittsburgh�s Original Hot Dog Shop hot dogs and a case of Heinz condiments, including ketchup, mustard and relish. Governor Rendell�s addition includes Primanti Brothers Sandwiches and Eat n� Park Gold and Black Smiley cookies, all to be donated to a Seattle homeless shelter if the Seahawks are victorious.

Each Governor has also agreed to wave their opponents flags in the case of a home team defeat, meaning Seahawks 12th Man Flags will fly in the Governor�s Reception Room in Harrisburg or Steelers Terrible Towels will adorn executive offices across Washington�s Capitol building, depending on who brings home the Lombardi Trophy.

�Like Washington families across the state, I am more confident in our Seahawks as the Super Bowl approaches,� said Governor Gregoire. �I will be taking a 12th man flag to Detroit to give to Governor Rendell, he can keep his terrible towel to wipe away his tears.�

�As always, I am looking forward to a Steelers victory translating into a generous donation to a homeless shelter in Pittsburgh where bison burgers will be delivered after this week�s crushing defeat of the Broncos,� said Governor Rendell. �But Governor Gregoire�s vision must be impaired by too much rain and the thrill of her team�s inaugural Super Bowl appearance because any football fan can clearly see that the Steelers will easily hand Seattle its first Super Bowl defeat.�

�I�ve said it before, and I say it again with confidence; the chance of Steelers losing this game is about as likely as me combing my hair in a pompadour,� said Governor Rendell.

Governor Gregoire and her husband, First Mike, were original Seahawks ticket-holders.

�Our family has waited for this moment since our first game 30 years ago,� said Governor Gregoire. �My friend, Governor Rendell, will look quite humble with his pompadour.�


###