Just in time for an election year, the UGA Performing Arts Center will present America's foremost political satirists, The Capitol Steps, at 8 p.m. Feb. 10 in Hodgson Concert Hall.

Proudly calling themselves "equal opportunity offenders," the troupe pokes fun at politicians on both sides of the political aisle.

Thirty years ago, The Capitol Steps began as a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize the people and places that employed them. Since then, the Steps have recorded more than 30 albums, including their latest, "Desperate Housemembers," and their special holiday release, "Barackin' Around the Christmas Tree."

Humorist P.J. O'Rourke quips, "The Capitol Steps are what Washington would be like if everyone were smarter and could sing."

Most cast members have worked on Capitol Hill, some for Democrats, some for Republicans, some for politicians who firmly straddle the fence. No matter who holds office, there's never a shortage of material, according to Capitol Steps co-founder Elaina Newport.

"Typically the Republicans goof up, and the Democrats party," she said. "Then the Democrats goof up and the Republicans party. That's what we call the two-party system."

Although The Capitol Steps are based in Washington, most of their shows are performed on tour around the country for audiences ranging from trade associations to high schoolers to state legislators. The Steps have performed for the last five presidents, and the only complaints they have received are from politicians and personalities who are not included in the program.

The material used for the musical satire is updated frequently. Current examples include a song inspired by the Tea Party, "Fun Fun Fun Till Obama Takes Our Tea Bags Away," and the Democrats' plan to defeat the deficit, "Return to Spenders."

Other topics receiving the special Capitol Steps treatment are TSA pat-downs, Facebook and illegal immigration.

Tickets for The Capitol Steps are $39 with special discounts for UGA students. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the Performing Arts Center box office at 706-542-4400 or toll free at 888-289-8497.