Washington, D.C.--A little sweat, a lot of stirring, a big cooking pot and lots of chili peppers won Frank Lucas' office top prize and a charity donation in the "Great Chili Cook-Off" yesterday on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Sixth District Congressman's office participated in the cook-off to benefit the winner's charitable organizations of choice.

"I have actually judged a couple of chili cook-offs in Oklahoma," Lucas said. "As enjoyable as those were, this particular cook-off had the added bonus of winning charitable contribution dollars to donate to Oklahoma organizations."

The contest was conducted by the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C. and judged by a panel of three, unbiased chili experts.

After being declared victor Wednesday evening, Lucas designated the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and the American Heart Association of Oklahoma as the benefactors of the $1,000 contribution. Both organizations will receive $500.

Three Texas Congressional offices were among those participating in the cook-off competition.

"In the longstanding, cordial feud between Oklahomans and Texans, I guess we now know who really is better," Lucas joked.

"Some of us here in Washington have the title of Assistant Majority Leader of the Senate, like my distinguished colleague Senator Don Nickles. Others of us are now referred to as Chili King of the Hill," Lucas chuckled.

A couple of Lucas' dedicated staff members were willing to stand guard over the pot of steaming chili during the contest while Lucas cast votes on the floor of the House during the judging hours.