When Netflix released the new "House of Cards" season Friday, staffers were a little busy with a shutdown showdown.
But that didn't stop them from tuning in over the weekend, and a few found ways to watch at work Friday night according to one rumor.
Congressional staffers have tweeted and retweeted dozens of "House of Cards" mentions since late last week. One member, Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), joined the chorus Friday with a press release denouncing a vehicle purchase for a library in the fictional Frank Underwood's real hometown (hashtag House of #PorkChops).
House Republicans also took advantage of the buzz with a "Who Said It?" quiz pitting Underwood against President Barack Obama.
The best staffer tweets from both sides of the aisle, with a few minor spoilers included:
Kirsten M. Hartman, Press Secretary for Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), on Thursday:
"Channeling my inner Claire Underwood on a long, late-night DC run #HouseOfCards"
Madeleine L. Perry, New Media Director for Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), on Thursday:
"Told my intern I sometimes play video games after work. He compared me to Frank from House of Cards. I should probably just call it a day."
Chris P. Harris, Communications Director for Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), on Friday:
"House Rs are stiff competition for House of Cards tonight. What to watch..."
Trevor W. Foughty, Deputy Chief of Staff/Communications Director for Rep. Todd Young (R-Ind.), in a Friday reply:
"@TheFix @jrkinsella Turn on CSPAN and realize the House of Cards version of Congress is sometime more palatable than the real one..."
Jesse M. Malowitz, District Representative for Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), on Saturday:
"Confession: I don't even like House of Cards I think it's too over the top. Confession part 2: I've watched 4 episodes today."
Timothy Hogan, Communications Director for Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), on Saturday:
"The politics of #HouseofCards is so confusing. Underwood hates entitlement programs, but #AmericaWorks is a government-funded job program."
Elise Tollefson, Legislative Assistant for Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Ill.), on Saturday:
"Does Netflix have a discussion draft of #AmericaWorks? #HouseOfCards #HouseofCardsSeason3"
Abigail E. Finn, Legislative Correspondent for Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio), on Saturday:
"Frank Underwood balancing an egg in the Oval Office? How very CJ Cregg of him."
