Cheerwine, chocolates at stake as Congress debates Panthers-49ers

Republican U.S. Reps. Richard Hudson and Robert Pittenger of North Carolina have entered into some friendly wagers with their Democratic counterparts in California for Sunday’s NFL playoff game between the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers.

Hudson, of Concord, bet against House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. Pittenger is going up against freshman U.S. Eric Swalwell of the Bay Area.

“When the Carolina Panthers soundly defeat the San Francisco 49ers and advance to the NFC Championship (game), my good friend Congressman Swalwell has graciously offered to send me California wine from the Wente Vineyards,” Pittenger said.

If the Panthers lose, Pittenger agreed to send Swalwell some North Carolina barbecue.

For Hudson, a Panthers victory would be sweet. Pelosi promised to send him Ghirardelli chocolate and San Francisco sourdough bread from Boudin Baker.

But a 49ers win means Hudson will provide Pelosi some Bojangles chicken, Lance crackers, "and plenty of Cheerwine to wash it all down," as a Pelosi statement put it.

“San Francisco’s legendary chocolate and sourdough aren’t going anywhere: the 49ers are going to flatten the Panthers,” Pelosi said. “I look forward to starting next week with a hearty meal of chicken, crackers, Cheerwine, and victory.”

Pittenger and Swalwell also created a three-minute video about the wager. They hammed it up in Carolina and San Francisco jerseys.

Charlotte Observer, By: Franco Ordonez & Renee Schoof