D.C. officials mad at Nationals

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Washington officials are offended that the Washington Nationals plan to celebrate their first season in a new city-funded stadium with two events in Maryland.

The "Dream Gala," a black tie fundraiser, is to be held at the Gaylord National, a new resort hotel on the Potomac River south of Washington in Prince George's County. The FanFest is planned for Bethesda, The Washington Post reported Wednesday.

Last year, $36 million in Washington taxes was used to repay debt for Nationals Park, the team's new $611 million stadium, the newspaper said.

"I guess we're like Charlie Brown or Rodney Dangerfield -- we can't get respect," said Vincent Gray, chairman of the Washington city council. "This is just an outrage."

Nationals President Stan Kasten told the Post the Dream Foundation selected the Gaylord National because the hotel will not charge a fee. He said that means more money going to children in the District of Columbia, since the gala dinner raises funds for a program to teach children baseball.