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In-your-face politics hits the next level: Dodgeball!

Posted Jan 17, 2012 by William March

Updated Jan 17, 2012 at 03:32 PM

Want to smack a Young Republican in the face with a dodgeball? How about a Young Democrat? Now you can!

It’s the latest wrinkle in political expression: Hurl your opinions at your opponent instead of just voicing them. Dodge inflated spheroids instead of just issues. Talk about getting your frustrations out.

The event is called the Tampa Bay Young Republicans vs. Tampa Bay Young Democrats Trampoline Dodgeball Social, Thursday night.

It’s being held at Airheads Tampa, a trampoline and dodgeball arena in West Linebaugh featuring “extreme dodgeball,” where players can bounce off trampoline floors and walls while hurling and ducking politically inspired projectiles.

Organizer Thomas King said the event is actually being held in the spirit of reviving bipartisanship and cordiality, as an antidote to corrosive, divisive politics. And it will include a referee.

Airheads is offering a $100 prize to the winning club.

According to Facebook postings about the event, County Commissioners Mark Sharpe (R) and Kevin Beckner (D) will attend. “I don’t know whether I’ll play or just urge them on,” said Sharpe. Well why not? Politics, as they say, ain’t beanbag.

The event’s being advertised on Facebook, and some of the comments are interesting.

“With or without firearms?” asked gun enthusiast Scott Barrish, a Republican, suggesting some may be inclined to take the spirit of the event a bit too far.

So far, Facebook comments suggest mainly Republicans are interested—the the Hillsborough Young Dems have a meeting scheduled the same night, according to their web site—but King said he’s got about 20 from each camp signed up and is expecting a good crowd.