$100 to play Star Wars trivia with a congressman

A New York Rep. is holding a Star Wars-themed fundraiser for just 50 Galactic Standard Credits a head

Published May 7, 2013 8:33PM (EDT)

There's a reason the White House Correspondents Dinner is often called "nerd prom" -- Washington is full of them -- so perhaps it's no surprise that a congressman is holding a Star Wars-themed fundraiser, complete with cocktails local to Tatooine and a soundtrack provided by a the Max Rebo Band, the fictional alien ensemble that performs in Jaba the Hutt's Palace.

And in case that's not nerdy enough, the fundraiser for upstate New York Democratic Rep. Dan Maffei this month also features a "Galactic Trivia Battle." "A long time ago in a galaxy far far away," the invitation reads, "rebels and imperial soldiers gathered for an epic battle that would determine the fate of the universe."

For $100 a person or $1,000 for a PAC (about 50 and 500 Galactic Standard Credits, respectively), you too can use an Obama-esque "Jedi mind-meld" to propel your team to victory.

You'll also have a choice between Mustafar Lava Juice (Boozy Punch), Blue Bantham Milk (White Russian), or "non-alcholic Yoda soda," though the snacks are decidedly more terrestrial, including, for some reason, Jalepeno, s’mores. There will also be "photo oppportunities with members of the Rebel Alliance."

Just remember, Han shot first.

UPDATE: The NRCC, the campaign arm of House Republicans, has a little fun with Maffei's fundraiser by mocking up Star Wars characters slamming the Democrat. “Dan Maffei’s support for President Obama’s cap-and-trade bill would put Cloud City out of business, it’s that simple," Lando Calrissian says. Obi Wan Kenobi warns that debt racked up under Obama will leave generations of Jedis in fiscal trouble, while Yoda says, "Win re-election, Dan Maffei will not.” But at least Emperor Palpatine likes Maffei. The evil Sith Lord says the congressman shares his affinity for wasteful spending on boondoggle government projects like Death Stars.

Rep. Dan Maffei (D-NY) Star Wars trivia battle by Alex Seitz-Wald


By Alex Seitz-Wald

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