Democrat wins McDonnell bracket challenge

Republicans and Democrats, known for battles against each other at the ballot box, apparently will square-off on the basketball court.

The hardwood showdown would pit presumptive Republican gubernatorial nominee Bob McDonnell and his twin teenage sons against Greg Scanlon, research director for the Democratic Party of Virginia, and a team of his choosing in a three-on-three game.

Scanlon submitted a bracket in the March Madness challenge McDonnell's campaign sponsored, besting 786 contest entrants. McDonnell offered the option of a restaurant dinner with him or a basketball game against him as a prize for the winner.

In a statement about Scanlon's win, McDonnell attributed his success in large part to selecting the Michigan State University basketball team to advance to the tournament's final game, which it did before losing to the University of North Carolina Monday night.

"Greg now has the opportunity to lace up his shoes and hit the court to play against my twin boys, Sean and Bobby, and me in what will certainly be a highly anticipated 3 on 3 game," said McDonnell, suggesting that Scanlon might invite Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, or the three Democrats seeking their party's gubernatorial nomination, to play.

Scanlon correctly picked all of the Final Four teams and the participants in the championship game, according to the Democratic Party of Virginia, which held an event Monday night in downtown Richmond to watch the game and collect non-perishable food items to donate.

If the three candidates -- state Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath; former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe; and former Alexandria Del. Brian Moran -- agree to play, McDonnell said Scanlon can field a four-man team with one substitute player.

McDonnell plans to sell $5 tickets to the game, whose date and location have not been decided, and give proceeds to the Central Virginia Food Bank.

-- Julian Walker

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