If it's playoff season, that can mean only one thing in politics: Elected officials from Washington will make bets with elected officials in other locales over the outcome of Saturday's game between the Seahawks and the Saints.

Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell made a bet with Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu that involves Pike Place Pale Ale and oysters from Taylor Shellfish Farms against charbroiled oysters and Abita Amber beer.

Reps Denny Heck, Derek Kilmer and Suzan DelBene, all West Side Democrats, made a bet with Rep. Cedric Richmond, a New Orleans Democrat, which includes a basket with Woodinville wine, smoked salmon, Almond Roca, Fisher Fair Scone mix and a bag of Skittles against a basket with Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, a Randazzo King Cake and New Orleans Pralines.

Skittles? Fans showered running back Marshawn Lynch with the candy after a score against the St. Louis Rams, so it's kind of an insider's joke.

Also, the loser or losers have to wear a pin with the winning team's logo on the House floor next week.

All of these wagers appear to be a step up from the old Washington pol's bet, which usually consisted of a basket of apples. But if the 'Hawks keep winning, we can only hope the bets get more creative and interesting.

As for Gov. Jay Inslee, staff says he hasn't made a bet with Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. He's been a little busy this week getting ready for the start of the Legislature and his State of the State speech next week. But he did make a bet of sorts -- that he wouldn't come down with pneumonia raising the 12th Man flag in front of the Capitol in the rain this week.

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