Lawmakers make wagers on Duke-Wisconsin game

Two lawmakers representing Duke University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison are betting wagers of local specialty food and drink for the NCAA men’s basketball championship game Monday night.

If Wisconsin wins, Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, will owe Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) some North Carolina barbecue, slaw and iced tea.

But if Duke emerges victorious, Pocan will have to treat Butterfield to a selection of Wisconsin cheese and beer.

{mosads}Pocan said he’s already anticipating a plate of barbecue after Monday’s championship game.

“I’m looking forward to savoring Rep. Butterfield’s delicious barbecue after the Badgers beat the Duke Blue Devils tonight,” Pocan said in a statement. “The Badgers have proven they are a strong team that can compete with any team in the country. After a long season, I know Coach Bo Ryan and his team are ready to bring the championship trophy home to Madison. Go Bucky!”

But Butterfield warned that Duke, a four-time NCAA champion, already beat Wisconsin last year.

“I don’t have to remind my good friend, Representative Pocan, that Duke basketball is led by the incomparable Coach K., the winningest coach in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history,” Butterfield said. “And I hope he remembers that the Blue Devils bested Wisconsin in their own house by 10 points in December. I’m confident on a neutral court Duke will win by a much larger margin. Duke fans in North Carolina and throughout the world are excited and ready to bring home a 5th national championship tonight!”

Members of Congress aren’t the only ones with wagers on the line. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and his North Carolina counterpart, Pat McCrory, are getting in on the action. At stake: Wisconsin cheese, sausage and root beer if Duke wins, and North Carolina barbecue with sides and Cheerwine in the event of a Wisconsin victory.

. @PatMcCroryNC The wager is on! WI cheese, sausage, root beer for NC barbecue w/sides and Cheerwine! Go Badgers! #Badgers #MakeEmBelieve

— Governor Walker (@GovWalker) April 6, 2015

I’m not worried, but IF the @BadgerMBB win tonight, I’ll be sending @GovWalker NC BBQ, coleslaw, hushpuppies & @DrinkCheerwine #GoDuke

— Pat McCrory (@PatMcCroryNC) April 6, 2015