It's an odd but true reality: The State Department probably houses the largest branch of the fan club Red Sox Nation in Washington. And Wellesley, Mass., native Nick Burns, State's No. 3 and in charge of political affairs, has a smart explanation. New England has strong representation in the Foreign Service, and many diplomats went to Boston colleges. "On the Foreign Service test we even have a Red Sox question," he kids. "We downgrade Yankee fans." Naturally, they are pumped about their team's chance at another World Series title. Also in State's Red Sox club are spokesman Sean McCormack, policy planning director David Gordon, counsel Eliot Cohen, and North Korea negotiator Christopher Hill. What's more, says Burns, Yankees fan Condoleezza Rice offered a staff meeting nod to the Nation: "She said, 'Good luck to the Red Sox.' "
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