There's something for everyone in Washington on election night, whether you're a huge supporter of one of the candidates -- or just a huge supporter of drinking. Republicans, Democrats and people looking for an excuse to socialize while returns roll in, we've got the party scene staked out for Tuesday night.
Republicans: The Republican National Committee is throwing down, where else but the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in downtown D.C., with confirmed speakers including RNC Chairman Reince Priebus and National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Rep. Pete Session, R-Texas. The event is invite-only. Local Republicans can party with Mary Brooks Beatty, a candidate for the D.C. Council's at-large seat, at Molly Malone's from 7 p.m. to midnight, or with Ron Moten, Ward 7 seat candidate known for colorful metaphors, at Langston Bar & Grille. Log Cabin Republicans are partying at the U Street gay bar Mova.
Democrats:
Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Patty Murray and Steve Israel are on tap to speak at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee's bash at the Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel. Ticketed guests only. Local liberals can also swing by the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, where D.C. Dems like Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Mayor Vincent Gray and most of the council are expected to show. Things kick off at 9 p.m., and according to one insider, food is likely to go fast.
Media Types: Microsoft, Bing and Politico are teaming up and taking over the Newseum for their invite-only election night shindig. Politico personalities Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen and John Harris will be anchoring Politico LIVE from the cocktail party, bringing on guests including Priorities USA's Bill Burton, Republican analyst Ron Bonjean and Democratic strategist Karen Finney.
Hipsters: The creative set is gathering at Bohemian Caverns on U Street for DJs, drinks specials, a Battleship tournament, cotton candy, piggy-back rides, lasers, "patriotic eating contests" and a dance-off. Day-of tickets are $15.
Bipartisans/boozehounds: Uur vote for drinkers of all persuasions: the Tune Inn. The classic Capitol Hill bar draws a "mixed crowd" politically, manager James Williams told Yeas & Nays, and folks posted at the bar will likely debate all night, as they have every election night since 1948. Williams says one TV will feature CNN, the others to be determined. "We're not picky," he says. "Some people like Fox. You know how it is."
