D.C. bartenders favor Democrats as patrons

Partying Republicans in Washington will have to step it up after a recent survey of D.C.-area bartenders praised Democrats as being better tippers and talkers than their GOP counterparts.

The survey of 100 D.C.-area bartenders, conducted by Clarus Research Group for Beam Global Spirits & Wine, cast Democrats as more favorable bar patrons, as bartenders said they were better tippers, have better pick-up lines and were better at giving toasts.

{mosads}Conversely, the bartenders said Republicans were more likely to order their drinks “straight-up” than Democrats, who were described as being more likely to order up “pink (girly) drinks” at the bar. Republicans, however, were slightly less likely to party later into the night, according to the survey.

Republicans and Democrats, however, were almost tied for who is more likely to show up first for happy hour.

“Said survey is obviously complete BS,” said House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) spokesman Michael Steel.

The Beam company, which produces beverages such as Jim Beam, Knob Creek and Maker’s Mark bourbon, stood by the results.

“We think it’s fairly accurate,” said Chris Swonger, Beam’s senior vice president for corporate affairs. “The results are just like politics. Some will agree, while others may disagree.”

Brynna McCosker, the director of operations for Clarus, said the firm had tried to reduce sampling bias by surveying bartenders in parts of Washington seen as Republican strongholds, as well as Democratic hotspots.

The capital city, however, tilts heavily Democratic in elections. Eighty-five percent of D.C. residents voted for Al Gore in 2000, and 90 percent voted for John Kerry in 2004. The suburban areas in Virginia and Maryland that serve as home to many Washington-area commuters also tend to be Democratic, though not as overwhelmingly.

McCosker said that, in her mind, there’s no question about the accuracy of the results. “It was really interesting because some of [the bartenders] had certain feelings about Republicans or Democrats for a certain question,” she said, while also noting some bartenders refused to answer, fearing they might scare off a segment of their clientele.

Nonetheless, some Democrats reveled in the poll’s positive depiction of the party.

“Who would you rather party with: Nancy Pelosi or John Boehner?” joked one Democratic staffer.

“Republicans seem to care little about America's tomorrow,” quipped another Democratic staffer. “Between mixed drinks, body shots and pitchers of beer, Democrats seem to care little about their tomorrow morning.”

Swonger said the poll was just meant to be a fun endeavor, with bartenders interested in what other bartenders say. “I’m sure tipping status is not the first question that will be covered in the debates,” he said, adding that he hopes Republicans will “think twice when taking care of their bartender.”