PORT ANGELES — The gauntlet has been thrown and the challenge accepted: county political party leaders will battle with hot wings.

Matthew Rainwater, Clallam County Republican Party chairman issued the friendly challenge to Tony Corrado, Clallam County Democrat Party chairman to eat their way through mounds of barbecued chicken wings in United Way of Clallam County’s second annual Hot Wing Contest.

The contest will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. tonight at Coyote BBQ Pub at 201 E. Front St.

“Let’s put our politicial differences aside, come together, support a good cause and benefit the entire community,” Rainwater said in a video on the county GOP Facebook page.

The loser, said Rainwater, would buy the winner “an adult beverage of their choice.”

Corrado accepted the challenge, but is sending a surrogate.

“I certainly agree that a fundraising event in support of our local United Way chapter is a worthy endeavor!” he said in answer on the Facebook page.

“In order to render it a fair contest, Ian Nickels, chairman of the Clallam County Young Democrats, has graciously agreed to meet you on the field of battle over chicken wings as my surrogate,” Corrado said.

The two are also competing with a field of 14 others, according to Hayley Pearce, resource development manager for United Way.

Sixteen hot wing eaters is the maximum allowed in this contest, and 16 have signed up, she said Thursday. Each was asked for a $10 donation.

In case of no-shows, she will have signup sheets available tonight.

Spectators are welcome.

Coyote BBQ Pub will donate $2 to the United Way for every pint of beer sold during the event.

The contest made about $500 for United Way in its inaugural year in 2018, Pearce said.

“I’m hoping it will make the same amount if not more” this year, she said.

United Way of Clallam County’s fundraising campaigns support 24 local nonprofits.

Fors Financial is sponsoring the contest.