When it’s time for a playoff game or major sporting event, you’ll likely see elected officials putting their state’s most well-known products on the line as part of friendly bets.

As part of the Carolina Panthers vs. Seattle Seahawks game, Gov. Pat McCrory and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee are putting a smogasboard of each state’s best up for grabs. McCrory’s wager feature’s Salisbury-based Cheerwine, barbecue sauce, Krispy Kreme donuts and peanuts. Inslee is wagering wine from two Washington regions, the Columbia Valley and Red Mountain; a selection of Uncle Woody’s hand crafted caramel corn and seven Washington IPAs from various breweries.

Members of the U.S. House also picked Cheerwine as part of a wager with a member of Congress from Washington. Bojangles’ chicken and Krispy Kreme donuts are other selections in the U.S. House bet.

This weekend’s playoff game between the Panthers and Seahawks will be played in Charlotte.

Major sports events also result in elected officials dishing out some not-so-mean smack talk about the other politician’s team.

McCrory offered relatively kind words about the game and the Seattle Seahawks.

“I am looking forward to receiving the wine, beer and caramel corn from Governor Inslee after the Panthers’ win,” said Governor McCrory. “Coach Rivera has his team ready for the playoffs, and I am confident they will be victorious on Sunday.”

Inslee also kept the smack talk relatively benign.

“With Marshawn Lynch back for the game, I’m confident I’ll be celebrating with North Carolina peanuts, BBQ sauce and donuts next week,” he said. “Governor McCrory put together a delicious basket I can’t wait to enjoy.”

North Carolina’s members of the U.S. House were a bit more creative with their not-so-mean Seahawks insults.

“With a 15-1 record, including a victory over the Seahawks on their home field, I knew we’d have to offer something really sweet and juicy to find any takers,” said Rep. Robert Pittenger, R-9. “So in the highly unlikely scenario of a Panthers loss, I’ve agreed to send Congressman (Jim) McDermott some of North Carolina’s famous Cheerwine soft drink and Bojangles’ chicken.”

Hudson introduces emergency services bill

This week, U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, R-8, introduced a bill intended to improve the quality of emergency services.

Called the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act, the bill would clarify existing law to allow emergency medical responders to administer controlled substances under the supervision of a physician. Examples include: pain narcotics and anti-seizure medications.

“Without this solution, we risk sacrificing quality emergency care and endangering patients simply because law and regulation have not kept up with the evolution of modern medicine,” Hudson said. “This legislation is an important clarification of law that allows our first responders to continue administering life-saving medications to patients when they need them most.”

A news release from Hudson’s office says the bill would clarify the current practice of physician Medical Directors overseeing care provided by paramedics and other emergency medical service practitioners via “standing orders” is statutorily allowed and protected.

It would ensure patients could continue receiving medications by codifying the practice of standing orders by a physician Medical Director for the administration and delivery of controlled substances, maintaining physician oversight of medical decisions, while making the EMS Agency liable for the receiving, storing, and tracking of controlled substances, similar to current procedure at hospitals.

McCrory gives Jeff Gordon one of state’s top awards

Retired NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon has received a number of awards during his career, but this week he received one from Gov. Pat McCrory.

McCrory this week presented Gordon with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the state’s top awards. Gordon is a four-time Sprint Cup Series champion. He retired from racing at the conclusion of the 2015 Sprint Cup Series season.

“Jeff Gordon has been a tremendous ambassador of motorsports, NASCAR and North Carolina,” McCrory said. “We are not only recognizing Jeff tonight for his performance on the racetrack, but also for his philanthropic work in communities across our state and nation.”

 Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.