To choose from the deluge of requests for inauguration tickets, U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-St. Louis, says his office staff will “conduct an inaugural essay contest” for 3rd District residents.

(The 3rd District takes in south St. Louis, south St. Louis County, Jefferson County and Ste. Genevieve, Mo.)
Here’s the rules:

Participants must answer the following question: “What does the election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States mean to you and our nation?” Those interested in participating are encouraged to forward an essay of 750 words or less via e-mail to carnahanessaycontest@mail.house.gov, by Monday, December 1, 2008.

Those selected will be notified no later than Monday, December 8, and will receive 2 tickets to view the inaugural swearing-in-ceremony on the Capital lawn if they have made, or are making, arrangements to attend the Tuesday, January 20th event.

“I am impressed by the overwhelming number of requests for tickets to view President-elect Barack Obama’s swearing-in as our 44th President,” said Carnahan in a statement.  ”January 20, 2009 will go down in history as one of our nation’s proudest moments. I hope to select a number of deserving guests to witness this historic event that reflect the great diversity of Missouri’s Third Congressional District.”

Winning entries will be posted on carnahan.house.gov.

A key point: The contest is for tickets ONLY. “Winners will be responsible for their own transportation and accommodations for attending the event.”