Although Washington is considered the epicenter of American politics on nearly any given day of the year, the nation's capital won't be squarely in the spotlight on election night. As we've reported, Barack Obama is throwing a big bash at Chicago's Grant Park tomorrow night, while John McCain will either be with supporters inside the Biltmore hotel in Phoenix or addressing reporters on the property's front lawn, as the Associated Press reported last week.
However, D.C. is not without its celebrations, albeit without the presidential candidates' presence. Events ranging from public parties to exclusive V.I.P. affairs will take place in town tomorrow night as the results of the historic campaign roll in.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee are hosting a joint invitation-only results-viewing party at the Hyatt Regency Washington. The event will feature open bars, food, and big screens lining the walls in the hotel's ballroom. The committees held an election night event in the same venue in 2006, attracting Democratic bigwigs and significant press attention.
Apparently, the Republican campaign committees aren't feeling as festive. As reported in Mary Ann Akers' Washington Post column, the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee is planning a small get-together at its headquarters for invited guests.
Politics magazine will take over Lounge 201 for an election-night party starting at 7:30 p.m. A $25 ticket includes food and drinks (including those ubiquitous Obama- and McCain-inspired martinis), plus free T-shirts for the early guests. Associate publisher Tracy Dietz worked with sponsors including the Newspaper Association of America and governmental technology providers iConstituent and Aristotle International to bring the event together.
Ultrabar will host a party for Election Night, a campaign and election-services organization that hosted its first results-viewing party in 2004. Former American Idol contestant (and current Election Night manager of public relations) Antonella Barba will host the bash, complete with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and free Internet access to keep up with the latest results. Ticket prices are $25 for nondrinkers, $40 for open bar, $150 for V.I.P. access to the upper levels of the club, or $500 for a table. Hotel Monaco, TollFreeZone.com, and WRGW radio are the party's sponsors.
Smaller, more exclusive events include Qorvis Communications' party at the company's Connecticut Avenue office, starting at 4 p.m. for close to 500 guests, including media folks, political figures, and a cross section of Washington influencers. Beam Global Spirits & Wine, a Qorvis client, is furnishing the cocktails. And André Wells is planning an exclusive party for Charisse Jordan (wife of Washington Wizards coach Eddie Jordan and president of the Behind the Bench charitable foundation). The soiree will take place in a hospitality suite at the Verizon Center. The 75 guests (mostly players' wives and political and society figures) will watch the results roll in on the stadium's Jumbotron.
Correction: This story has been updated to correct information about the Charisse Jordan event at the Verizon Center.
