I woke up at 7am this morning to make a Senate briefing, sponsored by the glorious CATO Institute titled, “Medicaid’s Soaring Costs: Time to Step on the Brakes”. I was sort of dreading it because, I'll be honest, I have absolutely no background knowledge on this issue nor was I looking forward to listening to Senator Judd Gregg spew his political rhetoric. I get out of Union Station, walk with the flock of Hill staffers…. And make my way into the Russell Senate Building. I scribble my name onto the sign in sheet, give a generic email address, and make my way into the room.

I enter and discretely search for the food. I’ve heard that CATO’s got the big bucks and usually have bangin’ breakfasts, lunches and dinners. My expectations were met when I placed my eyes on the baskets full of muffins (bran, lemon poppy seed, blue berry!), pastries (cheese and cherry!), donuts (glazed, chocolate, cinnamon!) and orange juice in cute little cups, oodles of coffee. But then, I notice that I see someone already by the muffins that I recognize. Athletic, attractive, dirty blonde, strong jaw line… wait, that can’t be. Oh my god, it is. Zach Marks. Get out!

He was chatting up a woman (go figure…) who ended up being an employee of the Bureau of Economic Analysis. So, I walk over… and say hello. The woman and Zach seemed to be getting really into their discussion but all I could think about was getting a taste of those gorgeously decorated pastries.

Right when I dove for a plate, the woman asked Zach and me who we were with. I hesitated but Zach said, “The Center for American Progress.” (I wanted to go disguised as a gun-tottin’ republican from Florida and he totally blew my cover) and as if he couldn’t make matters worse… he continued, “You know, definitely to the left of CATO.” She assured us that many organizations are to the left of CATO. But then… she asks if we are interested in this topic… Zach says, “Well you know, it’s great to get out of the office, attend these events, you know get some free food.”……

BUSTED!

She replies, “Well, I hope you aren’t here just for the food….”

Ha. Only if she knew.

*Before everyone hates on a sister for not caring about Medicaid… I do care about it. I wouldn’t normally attend an event on this subject but I’m glad I did.