Thursday, July 17, 2008 | 3:07 p.m.
WASHINGTON -- I've said it before, but watching the Senate is like being at a baseball game. Homeruns are interesting, but what can be really compelling is what happens when it looks like nothing is going on.
Tonight, metaphor and reality meld at Washington's new Nationals Stadium. Sen. John Ensign joins his fellow Republicans in the 47th annual congressional baseball game.
It's a big night on the Hill. Democrats haven't won a game since the start of the Bush administration. Even last year, after they took control of Congress, Democrats were doomed mainly by errors, says Roll Call, the capital newspaper sponsoring the game.
Republicans have been practicing most mornings at 6 a.m., Ensign reports. Even as one of his teammates told Roll Call the team looks like it's sponsored by AARP, Republicans seem uninterested in losing their standing this final year of the Bush presidency.
Ensign is the only member of the Nevada delegation to play ball. He hasn't missed a game since coming to Washington 12 years ago. Lawmakers usually sport homestate jerseys, and he trades off each year between UNR and UNLV. Tonight, it'll be UNR. Enisgn's number? No less than No. 1.
The Nevadan is the only senator on the Republican team made up mainly of House members. He used to be the starting shortstop until he became a back-up pitcher. He also plays outfield.
In a quirk of Republican organization, he's not sure if he's in the starting line-up tonight, or even what position he'll be playing. But it doesn't seem to matter.
It's just a game, right?
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