March 22, 2010, 11:46 a.m.
What better way to celebrate passing history-making legislation than
kicking back at a dive bar famous for its cheap beer and
taxidermy-heavy décor? A large group of House Democrats defied
cigar-and-champagne stereotypes by partying down until the wee hours
after the health care vote at the decidedly downscale Tune Inn on
Pennsylvania Avenue.
HOH spies say the gaggle of jubilant Democrats
included Rep. John Larson (Conn.), who got a roar of welcome when he
entered the bar; Rep. Joe Crowley (N.Y.), who was briefly spotted
standing behind the bar, handing out drinks; and Reps. John Boccieri
(Ohio), Melissa Bean (Ill.), Tom Perriello (Va.) and Jerry Costello
(Ill.).
Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), who had been the center
of attention all weekend after resisting the abortion-related language
in the bill but ultimately voting for the package, was among Tune Inn’s
revelers. An HOH spy says Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) planted a giant
kiss on Stupak’s cheek.
The celebration continued until the bar issued its
last call for drinks, our tipsters say. And they report that when
Crowley exited the bar, he did so to celebratory chants of “Crow-ley,
Crow-ley!”
http://www.rollcall.com/news/44508-1.html?type=aggregate_friendly