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Culture & Artsby Fern Shen9:18 amDec 10, 20130

Give to the Democrats, win an evening with the mayor watching Ravens

Sweepstakes ask for donations from $10 to $2,000 for the possibility of an evening with Rawlings-Blake and crabcakes, too

Above: Baltimore’s First Fan at the city’s Superbowl victory celebration this year.

If you had a chance to watch a Ravens game with Baltimore’s mayor, would you lean over in between plays and give her your elevator pitch for better ways of saving our ailing city?

Or pass her the hot wings, then hit her up for a juicy tax break?

Or maybe just ask her to send her minions to the Abel Wolman Building to straighten out your screwed-up water bill.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake apparently has enough star appeal, in the eyes of the Democratic National Committee, that they’re building a unique fundraising campaign around her (and the Superbowl-winning Ravens football team).

People around town whose names are in the party’s database from past contributions have been receiving emails this week touting a sweepstakes called “Game Time Baltimore.”

“I love the Baltimore Ravens – I always have,” the email signed by Rawlings-Blake begins. “And because there are few things better in life than good crabcakes and the reigning champs, I want to share them both with you.”

The letter continues: “That’s why I’m inviting 10 supporters and their guests to join me in Baltimore to watch the Ravens take on the Detroit Lions on Monday, December 16. Chip in $10 or whatever you can, and you’ll be automatically entered to join me for the game.”

Where Will the Money Go?

It’s not immediately clear to readers what they would be chipping in to, but the blue “d” logo and the word “DEMOCRATS” on top of the letter is a pretty good clue, as is the hyper-linked address you can click on to donate https://my.democrats.org/Go-Ravens

There’s also the title affixed to Rawlings-Blake after Mayor, City of Baltimore – “Secretary, Democratic National Committee.”

Additional details can be found in the fine print and a few clicks into the document (including the official rules).

“No payment or contribution is necessary to enter or win and will not increase your chances,” it says. (The fine print section has the link to a method of entering that does not involve a contribution.)

Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. this Thursday. The dollar value of the prize is $200. Where the “Watch Party” will be held and who else will come – all of that is yet to be announced and is at the discretion of “the sponsor,” namely, the Democratic National Committee.

Also at the DNC’s discretion – how the watcher’s money will be spent. “It will not be earmarked for any particular candidate,” we are told.

In other words, it could go to any needy politician. And this time of year, the need is pressing, especially locally.

Politicians in Maryland are hustling to raise cash before the 90-day legislative session begins in Annapolis in January (when they are barred from hitting up corporations, unions and developers for funds).

This year they’re under particular pressure because the upcoming Maryland 2014 primary is in June, instead of the traditional September.

So, Go Ravens! The mayor and the Democratic Party are counting on you!

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