NC’s congressional delegation places bet on Carolina Panthers

The Panthers’ advance to the NFC Championship game, to be played at home in Charlotte on Sunday, gave North Carolina’s politicians in Washington another chance to wage friendly bets with their colleagues.

U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-N.C., hopes a Carolina win Sunday night will net her a dozen tamales from Arizona – courtesy of Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., If the Arizona Cardinals beat the Panthers, Ellmers will give the Phoenix congresswoman dessert items from Sherry’s Bakery in Dunn, N.C., Ellmers’ hometown.

Last week, when the Panthers toppled the Seattle Seahawks, several North Carolina members of Congress cashed in on friendly wagers. Reps. Robert Pittenger, Alma Adams and Patrick McHenry got Seattle salmon and specialty chocolate from Rep. Jim Dermott, D-W.A. Had the Panthers lost, Pittenger had promised his colleague the Salisbury, N.C.-founded Cheerwine soda and Bojangles chicken.

Adams had wagered a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

The Panthers’ 16-1 record – making them the winningest team in the NFL this season – has given North Carolina politicians plenty of reason to have a little fun lately.

Last week, Governor Pat McCrory was spotted in the Bank of America stadium “dabbing” in the stands as the Panthers’ paved their way to a 31-24 victory.

This story was originally published January 22, 2016 at 12:08 PM with the headline "NC’s congressional delegation places bet on Carolina Panthers."