The Maryland State House Press Corps is a largely tight-knit group of reporters who slog through a 90-day General Assembly session that can feel like nine months in the desert.
While many of us compete for the same stories in the pressure-cooker environment of breaking news, there's a camaraderie that brings us together at the end of the day. From the reporters at the big dailies to those who write for the smaller community outlets and niche publications, many of us enjoy friendships outside the newsroom.
One recent weekday, an unnamed journo decided to bring a couple brews for co-workers to enjoy after deadline. It was a simple act that spawned a new tradition: The Booze Caucus.
Yes, politicians love to form caucuses -- small subsets within the legislative body (there's one for African-Americans, women, veterans, freshmen, and the newly formed Tea Party Caucus) -- so why not us?
And so the Booze Caucus -- since renamed the Ale Fozzies (it's an inside joke) -- was born. The only question was "Why did we not do this sooner?"
For the six years I've been in the "bullpen" and beyond, there's been a mid-session party/happy hour for the press corps and the beer usually flows heavily at the conclusion of the legislative session.
But the establishment of an official caucus that "meets" weekly is a new, and long overdue, phenomenon.
The rules are simple.
1) "Meetings" are held Thursday night AFTER deadline.
2) "Members" sign up to bring sample beers for other participants. Anyone is welcome to participate. You do not have to partake in order to be a member.
3) The beer must be eclectic. Brand names, such as Bud, Miller, Yuengling, etc., are not welcome.
4) Lawmakers, staff, lobbyists are not invited.
5) Know your limits. It's obvious but can't be overstated.
So with that brief introduction to this exciting new initiative, I'll be highlighting in subsequent posts some of the selections that have so far made the Ale Fozzies a smashing success.
Today's beer originates on the far end of Long Island
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