(From DCist contributor Kanishka Gangopadhyay)
It seems that D.C. has had two reality show-related rumors in the last week. First, the rumors of the Real World coming to D.C. began circulating again thanks to an E! column, but they were quickly debunked. Now, Roll Call reports (website access is for subscribers only) that Fox producers have approached congressional leaders in an effort to procure internships for Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, stars of the networks hit “reality” show The Simple Life. According to the article, the offices approached include Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) and Senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.). Producer Ryan Crow, in a letter heavily quoted in the Roll Call article, suggests that Hilton and Richie could “ help with administrative duties and perhaps have the opportunity to suggest certain policy reform or draft a bill for Congress.”
Both Hasterts and Santorums offices have reportedly said no to the request, prompting Wonkette to quip “there are no interns on the Hill who got their jobs through family connections or because they’re rich enough to suffer being paid crap.” Hastert spokesman John Feehery states that working on the Hill is “not the Simple Life,” while Senator Santorums Press Secretary Robert Traynham states that “Senator Santorum has a policy of hiring only native Pennsylvanians to intern in his office.” In any case, commercial filming on the grounds of the Capitol is prohibited.
DCist is somewhat relieved to hear that Hilton and Richie wont be working on policy. Still, we wonder if someone could find them work getting D.C. off its Burberry obsession.
