Potomac fever

American  

noun

1. the determination or fervor to share in the power and prestige of the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., especially by being appointed or elected to a government position.

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Etymology

Origin of Potomac fever

1965–70; after the Potomac River, on which Washington, D.C., is located

Example Sentences

“I know how it is. You catch Potomac fever and forget everything.”

From Washington Post • Dec. 17, 2016

"These wannabe governors have Potomac fever," says Brown, who ran for President unsuccessfully three times.

From BusinessWeek • Jun. 3, 2010

Bitten by Potomac fever, many are trying to stay in Washington.

From Time Magazine Archive

Buchen plans to open a law office and perhaps participate in a business venture with another former Grand Rapids citizen who has caught Potomac fever: Ford Adviser William Seidman.

From Time Magazine Archive