Dead groundhog Potomac Phil predicts early spring, nasty political climate

WASHINGTON — Potomac Phil, a stuffed groundhog, has predicted an early spring and six months of political gridlock on Capitol Hill, in his fifth annual appearance in Dupont Circle park.

In a tongue-in-cheek homage to Punxsutawney Phil, the Dupont Circle festival features presenters in top hats, polka music, and groundhog-shaped cookies and coffee.

Earlier Tuesday, Punxsutawney Phil failed to see his shadow at dawn, meaning he “predicted” an early spring.

Follow WTOP’s Neal Augenstein on Twitter for the latest details.

Follow WTOP’s live blog about Potomac Phil.

Neal Augenstein

Neal Augenstein has been a general assignment reporter with WTOP since 1997. He says he looks forward to coming to work every day, even though that means waking up at 3:30 a.m.

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