April 5, 2005

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Texas Governor Rick Perry today agreed to a friendly wager on the 2005 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship game tonight between the Michigan State Spartans and the Baylor Bears.
 
“The state of Michigan will be rooting for the lady Spartans when they take the court tonight,” Granholm said.  “They have made an inspiring run through the tournament, and we have enormous confidence they will come through with a victory in tonight’s game.”
 
The Governor of the winning team will send snacks from their state, along with the team’s jersey.  With a Spartan victory, Governor Granholm will send Mackinaw fudge and a case of Vernors to Governor Perry to be enjoyed at his desk, wearing the MSU jersey. 
 
Homemade Mackinaw fudge is popular throughout the state, and Vernors was concocted by Detroit pharmacist James Vernor, and remains a popular beverage in Michigan.
 
In the event Baylor wins, Governor Granholm will be presented with Blue Bell ice cream and a case of Dr. Pepper to eat at her desk wearing a Baylor jersey.
 
This is the first trip to the NCAA National Championship for the MSU women’s basketball team.