A news or feature picture that depicts a unique or behind-the-scenes view of Washington politicians, people relating to politic or other Washington insiders (but not the President of the United States and not taken on Capitol Hill). Pictures taken outside Washington, D.C. must prominently feature a Washington insider. (Any candidate for U.S. President is considered a Washington insider.)
First Place
Saul Loeb, Agence France-Presse
Kick It Like Kerry: US Secretary of State John Kerry kicks around a soccer ball while talking on his cellphone during an airplane refueling stop at Sal Island, Cape Verde, enroute to Washington, DC, May 5, 2014.
Second Place
Melina Mara, The Washington Post
If Women Succeed America Succeeds: Lois Frankel (D-FL) sleeps on the shoulder of Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) between rallies during the When Women Succeed, America Succeeds bus tour in Boston, Massachusetts, Monday, June 2, 2014. Leader Nancy Pelosi, and many other female lawmakers journeyed from Seneca Falls, New York to Chicago.
Third Place
Win McNamee, Getty Images
Get A Room: U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder (L) kisses his wife, Sharon Malone (R), after announcing his resignation at the White House September 25, 2014 in Washington, DC. Holder has led the Department of Justice since the beginning of the Obama administration in 2009.
Award of Excellence
Brendan Smialowski, Agence French-Presse
The Pallet: Protected by the veil of security offered by an anonymous cargo flight, Kerry flies to Iraq from Jordan September 10, 2014. In Baghdad Kerry will meet with leaders, including new Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, to discus the continued loss of territory to the Islamic State and other issues.
Award of Excellence
Melina Mara, The Washington Post
Grimes for Senate: Democratic candidate for US Senate Alison Lundergan Grimes greets an old friend at a rally in Louisville, Kentucky, Monday November 3, 2014. Grimes lost to now Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Award of Excellence
Tom Williams, Roll Call
Elijah Cummings : Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., talks with a constituent in between events in Baltimore, Md., October 22, 2014.