Spelling bee veteran Sen. Jeff Flake Wednesday is returning to the tongue-tying trenches for the National Press Club’s latest “Politicians vs. Press” spelling bee bout — mostly because he’s antsy after staying put all summer long.  

“I didn’t go to a desert island this year, so I need a challenge,” the Arizona Republican told HOH of his decision to engage again in the friendly competition. Flake famously flamed out of the 2013 war of words after failing to deconstruct “malfeasance.”

Just exited the congress/journalist charity spelling bee on the word “malfeasance”. For the record, I can’t even SPELL malfeasance…

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) September 19, 2013

W-R-O-N-G.  

“One does not prepare,” a Zen-like Flake said of his strategy.  

It’s possible he’s actually lost a step or two. “I’ve just embraced spellcheck on my computer,” he confessed.  

As for the competition, Flake had complete faith in defending champ Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia .  

“He’s got the brightest mind a Democrat can have,” he quipped.  

The showdown is scheduled to take place in the NPC ballroom promptly at 7 p.m. Tickets to the fundraiser — part of the proceeds are expected to flow through to the NPC Journalism Institute — are $10 for Press Club members and $15 for the general public.  

Related: Tim Kaine Prepares Spelling Bee Title Defense Tim Young Abuzz About NPC Spelling Bee Jeff Flake Unlikely to Play Castaway This Year Rekindled Hill Vs. Hacks Rivalry Fuels Centennial Spelling Bee

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