Politician Loses to Lenny & Squiggy

November 22, 2006

Well, at least Lenny. Actor Michael McKean, best known for his stellar work on “Laverne & Shirley” came in first place on “Celebrity Jeopardy.”

He beat Education Secretary Margaret Spellings.

Placing third was actor Hill Harper, from the television show "CSI: NY."

"I think I held my own," Spellings said in an interview Tuesday, hours before the show aired. She noted McKean had an edge, having been on the show before.

Spellings was the first Cabinet secretary ever to appear on the popular quiz show. She said she'd like to return for another try.

She said she didn't realize how much skill went into hitting the buzzer at just the right moment after host Alex Tribe read a clue. She said she often hit it too early and as a result didn't get picked to tackle a category.

Spellings' strong subjects included international language and business.

She was asked to appear after the show's producer read a magazine article in which Spellings said she was a "Jeopardy!" fan.

Each celebrity earns at least $25,000 for the charity of his or her choice, and the winner gets $50,000 for a charity.

Spellings' winnings from the show, taped in New York last month, went to ProLiteracy Worldwide -- an international literacy organization.

Trebek said "Jeopardy!" picked the charity for Spellings to comply with government ethics rules.