By Michael JordanApril/May 2008

While alcohol was initially banned in Gen. Oglethorpe?s British colony of Georgia, Savannahians have been tippling as they talked politics since at least the mid-1770s, when members of the Sons of Liberty gathered at Tondee?s Tavern on Whitaker and Broughton Streets to plan rebellion against King George. The tradition continued as a long series of politicians?the most prominent among them being Jimmy Carter?paraded into Pinkie Master?s Lounge on the corner of Drayton and Harris Streets to secure the blessing of Savannah?s Democratic Party leadership. Now, two new organizations have picked up the mantle. The members of a group called Drinking Liberally meet roughly twice a month at Moon River Brewing Company at 21 West Bay Street. The Savannah chapter of this national organization got its start when a Savannahian named Victor Fishman visited friends in Atlanta and happened upon a chapter meeting there. Upon returning to the Hostess City, Victor posted a notice on the national DL website to see if anyone else was interested in forming a group here. Nine months later, John Mattingly answered the call, and eventually others joined in; one current member initially came as part of a group of Ron Paul supporters trying to infiltrate the liberals, but decided she liked the ?target? group better and stayed! While the members share common views on many issues, the talk isn?t always about politics. Says Mattingly: ?We have no agenda and no requirements to participate, other than to be civil and try to have a good time. We're left-leaning, but not exclusionary.?Another group of local politicos is drinking, well, conservatively. The Savannah Young Republicans, who also meet monthly at various restaurants, claim First District Congressman Jack Kingston and Georgia Senate President Pro-Tem Eric Johnson as former members, and make serious contributions to many conservative campaigns and charitable events. But the group always tries to mix politics with fun. ?It?s a great networking opportunity for people,? says President Allison Quinn. ?We always open the meeting with the meet-and-greet cocktail hour. That way, people coming straight from work don?t feel so rushed.? And there you have it; whatever your political persuasion, you?ll always have a kindred spirit with which to drink liberally?or conservatively.