Two governors make wager

Terrible Towels will be hanging in the executive offices of Washington’s State Capitol… Terrible Towels will be hanging in the executive offices of Washington’s State Capitol Building Monday morning if the Steelers win Sunday’s Super Bowl.

If the Seattle wins the game, Seahawks 12th Man flags will fly in Harrisburg, Pa., in the governor’s reception room.

The rules are part of the terms of a Super Bowl bet between Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell and Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire.

Rendell also wagered a box of hot dogs from The Original Hot Dog Shop, a case of Heinz condiments, Primanti Brothers sandwiches and black-and-gold smiley cookies from Eat n’ Park.

The food will be donated to a homeless shelter in Seattle if the Seahawks win the Super Bowl.

Gregoire bet a bushel of apples, Ivar’s Clam Chowder and Applets and Cotlets – an old-fashioned type of candy, all of which will also be donated to a homeless shelter.

The winning team’s governor also will receive bragging rights at the National Governors Association.

Rendell’s press secretary, Kate Philips, said in an e-mail that there was bet wagered last year when the Philadelphia Eagles competed against the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.

“Governor Rendell obviously lost, and was forced to pay up by singing the National Anthem at a Boston Celtics game, wearing a New England Patriots jersey,” Philips wrote.

“[Rendell] is predicting a 27-10 Steelers victory this year, so Washington Gov. Gregoire will have to pay up this time,” Philips added.

Philips said that Rendell and his wife will be attending the game, which is in Detroit.

They were invited by the Steelers organization because Art Rooney Jr. and Rendell are good friends, Philips said.

Philips said that the governor and his wife each had to pay $600 for their tickets.

“The governors will not sit together because they will be on opposite sides of the stadium cheering on their respective home teams,” Philips said. “They will, however, see each other at the game because they will do media interviews together, most likely.”

Kevin Evanto – the director of communications for Allegheny County and a spokesman for Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato – said that Onorato will also be attending the Super Bowl this weekend.

According to Evanto, Allegheny County is in the process of making a bet with Seattle’s King County. He added that the terms of the bet have not been completely worked out yet, but a parade will be held if the Steelers win the Super Bowl.