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Pelosi Sacks Fla. Rep's Plea to Delay Votes for Gator Game

Ocala pol wanted to suspend biz for football

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 7, 2009 8:57 AM CST

(Newser) – A Florida congressman asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to postpone certifying the election of Barack Obama and other business so the Florida and Oklahoma delegations can attend the Gators and Sooners BCS championship game tomorrow, AP reports. "Madam Speaker, kindly consider," Republican Cliff Stearns pleaded in a handwritten note.

"Votes are currently scheduled to continue into Thursday night and Friday afternoon," Stearns wrote. "We ask that you move these votes to allow members to attend this historic game." He was the only one to sign the note. Pelosi considered it, but not for long—her office said the House speaker wouldn't be suspending voting.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has turned down a request to postpone votes in the House of Representatives so congressmen can watch the Florida-Oklahoma game. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Congressman Cliff Stearns asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to postpone votes in the House so he could attend the Florida-Oklahoma game. (Clif Stearns)

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We ask that you move these votes to allow members to attend this historic game. Madam Speaker, kindly consider. Thanks, Cliff. - Florida Congressman Cliff Stearns.

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Pelosi Sacks Fla. Rep's Plea to Delay Votes for Gator Game