February 4, 2009- The Washington Press Club Foundation’s Congressional dinner was held February 4 at the swanky Ritz Carlton Hotel.

The Washington Press Club was formed in 1919 at a time when very few female reporters were given the opportunity to cover the same reporting beats as men.

The WPC rivaled the former male-only National Press Club.  Ironically, the WPC opened its doors to men, months before the National Press Club has and has for over 65 years, hosted events featuring speakers from members of Congress, and U.S. presidents and is known for its ‘roasts’, poking fun at those in whatever administration is in office at the time.

In 1985 the WPC was renamed to the now, Washington Press Club Foundation.

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D- Minn), who claimed she raised $17,000 from ex-boyfriends on her run to the Senate, jokingly revealed that during her first year in office she was placed in committee for Oceanautics. 

“I’m from Minnesota.  That’s like putting Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill)on a committee on ethics.” 

Also poking fun at vice presidential nominee, Sarah Palin, Klobuchar added, “I can see Lake Superior from my porch.”

Left to right:  WPCF president,  Jesse Holland; Representative Kevin McCarthy(standing), and CNN's Candy Crowley.

Republican Representative, Kevin McCarthy, another speaker for evening, also spared no punches.  McCarthy jovially commented on President Obama’s economic stimulus package, particularly the $350m directed to the study and research for sexually transmitted diseases.

McCarthy, who was asked in short notice to sit in for Eric Cantor, was concerned whether he would have been warmly received by the audience said, “I was sure I never get the clap in here.”

The Washington Press Club Foundation dinner is the organization’s major fundraising event that supports the work of the WPCF and awards journalists each year for their contribution to the field.   

The David Lynch Regional Reporting Award, an award that was created in 2008, went to Deirdre Shesgreen (her second since 2005); while the Lifetime Achievement Award went to Nan Robertson, feature writer for the New York Times.  Robertson, who spent more than 30 years at the Times, won a Pulitzer Prize in 1983.

CNN’s Candy Crowley served as the Master of Ceremonies, while House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell were the evening’s special guests.

Jesse Holland of The Associated Press, and the WPCF’s president gave the introductions.  Holland tells us that this year’s event will serve as his final role as the dinner’s introductory speaker.

“No one can tell what went wrong tonight", said Holland.  "But I can.  Next year, I get to see what it’s like being on the opposite side of the speaker’s table.”

Sponsors of the event included the National Association of Broadcasters, the Congressional Quarterly, Inc., Microsoft, and the Ford Motor Company.

To learn more about the work of the Washington Press Club Foundation, visit www.wpcf.org.

See photos of the evening, and view the dinner in its entirety.