An impasse over Nationals broadcasting rights that has been almost two years in the making may soon reach resolution, if only because the powers-that-be are sick of missing games. Pressure on the parties involved is increasing from a number of governmental bodies. This weekend the Maryland Court of Appeals agreed to hear the latest Comcast appeal in a case that pits the cable company against the Orioles and Major League Baseball. The decision to hear the appeal comes after judges agreed to bypass the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, in a move that could cut a year off the expected duration of the legal process. That’s still too slow for members of area legislative bodies, it seems, who have begun to take matters into their own hands.

On Sunday, a handful of local representatives took part in a rally at RFK intended to encourage Comcast to drop its fight and air Nationals games, and it appears the politicos are willing to take additional steps if their pleas are ignored. Among those involved on Sunday were Representatives Jim Moran (D-Va.) and Tom Davis (R-Va.), Maryland Delegates Peter Franchot (D) and Anthony Brown (D) and Virginia Delegate Brian Moran (D). The legislators heard from Ian Koski of NationalsPride.com, donned Nats caps, and spoke of their love for the boys in blue and red (a complete recap of the event with lots of photos can be found at DistrictofBaseball.com). Perhaps most importantly, Tom Davis suggested that he would hold hearings on the matter before his Government Reform Committee if Comcast refused to back down. His sentiments were echoed by Franchot, who said, “I think the hammer is the United States Congress. They will force Comcast to yield.”

Picture from www.districtofbaseball.com.