WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following release is being issued by the National Press Club:

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080917/NPCLOGO)

WHAT: Politicians vs. Press Spelling Bee

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 18 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: National Press Club

WHO: Nine members of Congress will face off against nine members of the news media in a spelling bee that will be conducted by spelling bee experts from Merriam-Webster. See participant names below

WHY: One hundred years ago, the National Press Club held a spelling bee pitting politicians vs. the press.  President Woodrow Wilson and members of his Cabinet were among the 1,000 people who showed up to watch. A House member won.  The Club thought it was time for a rematch. Satirist Mark Russell will set the stage for the event, which will raise money for the Club's Journalism Institute. Ticket information can be found at press.org/events/npc-centennial-spelling-bee

Media wishing the cover the event should contact Katy Steinmetz at katy_steinmetz@timemagazine.org or 202-861-4016

Politician spellers include:Rep. Matt Cartwright, Rep. Gerry Connolly, Sen. Chris Coons,
Rep. Peter DeFazio,
Rep. Ted Deutch,
Rep. Anna Eshoo,
Sen. Jeff Flake,
Sen. Tim Kaine,
Sen. Christopher Murphy.

Journalist spellers include:Howard Fineman, Huffington Post;
Ed Henry, Fox News;
Major Garrett, CBS News;
Kate Nocera, Buzzfeed; Rebecca Sinderbrand Politico;
Meredith Shiner, Roll Call;
Ashley Southall New York Times;
Karen Tumulty, Washington Post;
Toby Zakaria, Reuters.

SOURCE National Press Club