Transcript Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY — For the vast majority of Oklahomans, the 2006 campaign season ended at 7:01 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. Sure, a handful of recounts dragged the cycle out a few days longer for a handful; but most of us went back to our normal lives come Nov. 8.

Most, but not everybody.

For a select few — namely Democratic candidates, consultants and contributors — the 2006 campaign season ended Saturday at Macklanburg-Duncan Park in Oklahoma City at the 29th annual Political Hacks Chili Cook-off.

A tradition which spans decades, the Hack’s Chili Cook-off gives political junkies one last chance to get together and “cuss and discuss” the election season, celebrate or commiserate their wins (or losses), drink some ice cold beer, and eat lots and lots of chili.

Chili that’s made outdoors.

Chili that’s cleverly named.

Chili that’s cooked by people who aren’t chefs, but political professionals.

“The original cook-off was actually at my house,” says founder Hershel Lamirand.

“There were six of us and my stove only had four burners. We had to cook, talk and share — in that order.”

This year’s cook-off drew several hundred attendees, a dozen or so cooks, and even had its own band.

“We’ve grown a little since then,” Lamirand, the executive director of the Oklahoma Health Center Foundation, said.

Composed of mostly Democratic campaign staff, consultants and supporters, the cookoff has, on occasion, been visited by the stray Republican or two and, over the years, has developed a unique history.

There have been speeches.

And beer.

A fist fight between consultants.

And beer.

Long running political debates.

And beer.

And, of course, the chili. Read more…