Walz rules annual congressional Hotdish competition with turkey tacos

By JIM SPENCER

Staff Writer

First District Congressman Tim Walz continued his recent domination of the Minnesota delegation's annual hot dish competition with something called "Turkey Taco Tot Hotdish."

Walz's win Wednesday was his third in the annual goodwill event founded by Sen. Al Franken to bring the politically diverse delegation together around a Minnesota tradition. Victory moved Walz to plant his tongue firmly in his cheek and declare "a dynasty is born."

Fourth District Rep. Betty McCollum finished as runner-up.

Newcomer Tom Emmer, in his inaugural term representing the state's Sixth District, looked to the future. "I am hopeful for a future hotdish competition win," he said, "just as I am hopeful for the future of this great nation."

Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema, a native Minnesotan, and his mom, Dorothy, still living in Minnesota, but visiting the nation's capital, judged the diet-destroying delicacies, along with Fergus Falls native and DC coffee shop owner Ryan Jensen.

Here are the often cholesterol-cranking culinary creations offered by each member of the delegation:

Sen. Al Franken: "Land of 10,000 Calories Hotdish

Sen. Amy Klobuchar: Babe the "Brew" Ox Steak and Ale Hotdish

Rep. Collin Peterson: Collin's Rockin' Rabbit "Hop" Dish

Rep. Betty McCollum: Making Hotdish Great Again Hotdish

Rep. John Kline: Pizza Pie Hotdish

Rep. Keith Ellison: Most Beautiful Hotdish in the World - Green Chile-Chicken Casserole

Rep. Rick Nolan: Cousin Jack's Hot-Rolled, Corrosion-Resistant Pasty Hotdish

Rep. Erik Paulsen: Boundary Waters Bacon, Beef and Taters Hotdish

Rep. Tom Emmer: Havana Hotdish