Thursday, 4:30 PM
Democrats fill coffers at fundraiser
(Suzanne Kreiter/Globe Staff)
Deval Patrick (right) had the support of the Democratic Party in full force today at the Park Plaza Hotel. Senators Edward M. Kennedy (center) and John F. Kerry (left) spoke with him at an afternoon press conference.
By Andrea Estes, Globe Staff
US Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John Kerry were among 200 Democrats today who poured more than $500,000 into coffers that support Deval Patrick's campaign at a luncheon fundraiser.
Ten Congressmen pledged to give $25,000 apiece and Kennedy committed $100,000. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, pledged $150,000, party leaders said.
"It was highly successful," said Democratic State party chairman Philip Johnston, who said the crowd was riveted by Patrick at the closed door event at the Park Plaza hotel. "He spoke about why we have to win this and how we need to change things. People were on the verge of tears. You could hear a pin drop. These are pretty hard bitten political people who have been around the track a few times."
The money raised will go the Victory '06 fund set up by the state Democratic Party, which will then pay Patrick's campaign bills, as well as the bills of his running mate Tim Murray. According to Johnston, Victory '06 has raised $1.2 million in the week since the primary.
The party is planning another major fundraising event -- a luncheon with former president Bill Clinton scheduled for October 16. Democratic leaders are hoping to raise more than a million dollars at that event alone.
Among those attending yesterday's event were former candidate Christopher Gabrieli, House Speaker Sal DiMasi and defeated Lt. Governor candidates Andrea Silbert and Deb Goldberg. Missing were defeated Democrat Thomas Reilly, Senate president Robert Travaglini and Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino.
