Pols vs. Press in the Spelling Bee of the century, Sept. 18

Nine members of Congress will contend with a like number of journalists for the title of “Best Speller in the United States” on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. in a fund-raiser for the Club’s Journalism Institute.

Joining in the event will be the Club’s favorite political satirist Mark Russell.

One hundred years ago, the Club held a similar bee that attracted more than 1,000 people, including President Woodrow Wilson. A Ohio House member won. Now the journalists are spoiling for a rematch.

Reserve your tickets here.

Politician spellers include:

Rep. Matt Cartwright of Pennsylvania, Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia, 
Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, 
Rep. Peter DeFazio of Oregon, 
Rep. Ted Deutch of Florida, 
Rep. Anna Eshoo of California, 
Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona, 
Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, and 
Sen. Christopher Murphy of Connecticut.

Journalist spellers include:

Howard Fineman of Huffington Post, Ed Henry of Fox News, 
Major Garrett of CBS News, Kate Nocera of Buzzfeed, Rebecca Sinderbrand of Politico, 
Meredith Shiner of Roll Call, Ashley Southall of The New York Times;, Karen Tumulty of The Washington Post, and Toby Zakaria of Reuters.

Additional spellers may be added.

Merriam-Webster will provide the words and the pronouncer.