Politics in the World Series: Philly Vs. Tampa Bay

Politicians from both Florida and Pennsylvania make some friendly wagers

A Championship isn't the only thing on the line in the World Series -- cheesecake, cheesesteaks and Cuban pastries are up for grabs.

Philly Mayor Michael Nutter has laid some Philly fare on the line including cheesesteaks, Tastykakes, Philly soft pretzels, mac-n-cheese from Delilah's Southern Cafe and a Rocky statue-replica.

In return St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard and Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio have offered an entire Florida beach picnic including coconut shrimp, stone crab claws, Cuban sandwiches, commemorative championship label cigars and key lime pie from Tampa Bay-area businesses.

Pennsylvania Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) have also have a friendly wager going with Florida Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) over whether the Philadelphia Phillies or the Tampa Bay Rays will win the World Series. 

The Senators from the losing team will have to dish up some hometown goods to the winning team's Senate office in Washington, D.C. 

If the Phillies win then the Florida Senators will fork over a box of citrus, Cuban pastries, Ted Peters famous smoked fish and the Columbia restaurant Spanish cookbook.

Should the Phils lose then the Pennsylvania Senators will give up Pat’s cheese steaks, soft pretzels, cheesecake, Tastykakes and Herr's chips.

The loyal fans in Philly are ready for a victory parade down Broad Street and this Phillies club has the talent to bring home a World Series title,” said Specter.

Making sure the mayors and senators don't have all the fun, Philadelphia Councilman Curtis Jones and Tampa Councilman John Dingfelder have their own friendly wager of cheesesteaks and Tastykakes for Cuban sandwiches and guava pastries.

The wager will be settled in the weeks following the end of the series.

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