Republicans Flee DC Ahead of Inauguration

Depressed and out of a job, it's time to go to Switzerland

By Gabriel Winant, Newser User

Posted Jan 2, 2009 12:25 PM CST

(Newser) – The Obama inauguration is looking like a good time for Republicans to abandon DC, reports Politico. Depressed by the reminder of their defeat, and often newly unemployed, they're renting their houses to visiting Democrats and heading to Vegas or Europe. Says a former John McCain flack, “I will also be witnessing an historic ceremony—it’ll just have beach weather, cocktails, and no gift ban.”

After Bill Clinton’s 1992 and 1996 victories, GOP feel-bad fests sprung up (“Mourning in America: A Thousand Pints of Lite”). Though no repeats are scheduled this year, some consider sticking around just good business. “I’ll be in town, going to events, taking care of clients,” says one Republican lobbyist. Says another, who's going skiing: "As a lobbyist, I thought a neutral country like Switzerland would be appropriate."

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (3)]

President George W. Bush, right, carries his dog Barney as he arrives for his vacation with first lady Laura Bush, left, on Friday, Dec. 26, 2008 in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

This undated handout photo provided by the journal Science shows an adult female, her daughter and their calves in natural free-range in Kenya. (AP Photo/Science, C.Moss)

Construction work continues on the presidential inauguration stand on the west side of the United States Capitol on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, Dec. 29, 2008. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

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I will be pondering the future of my party at a remote location, aided in the conversation by my friend Jack Daniels. - Greg Crist, Republican lobbist

I just booked my flight to Switzerland this morning. As a lobbyist, I thought a neutral country like Switzerland would be appropriate. - Jason Roe, Republican lobbyist

The inauguration of Barack Obama will be a great moment for our country and the planners have a major logistical feat to pull off. I figure I’m leaving a little extra room for my Democrat friends to enjoy it up close. - Kevin Sheridan, former Bush spokesman

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Republicans Flee DC Ahead of Inauguration