HAVERHILL — Some called it the political "must attend" event of the year in the city yesterday as state Rep. Brian Dempsey held his 17th annual fundraising breakfast.
More than 400 people showed up at the AMVETS hall on Primrose Street for a chance to meet candidates running for School Committee, City Council and mayor, along with a candidate for state treasurer and one running for the U.S. Senate.
"This is that one time of year when you can see all the politicos in one place," said Norman Landry of Haverhill, who sat at a table with his wife, Rose-Elaine Landry. "It's a nice breakfast and a chance to get reacquainted with neighbors."
White and green balloons hovered over each table, and Paul Gosselin wandered around the room playing his accordion. The menu included eggs, bacon, bagels, and juice and coffee.
Guests got to chat with School Committee and City Council candidates, both incumbents and newcomers, as well as Mayor James Fiorentini and his opponent, John Michitson.
"It's a chance to mingle and recognize Brian Dempsey, who has brought more than $7 million in Hale (Hospital) debt relief to the city," Michitson said while working the crowd. "The bottom line is Brian has fought hard to bring money to the city, which has been extremely important for us to make it through these hard times."
Former Mayor Theodore Pelosi Jr. mingled and shook hands, walking from table to table as though he were up for re-election Tuesday.
Dempsey, who is entering his 20th year in office, said he wanted to add to the excitement by inviting candidates running for the seat held by the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.
"This has become a local tradition as it is one of the last stops on the campaign trail for both municipal and state elections," Dempsey said as he entered the hall. "It brings together candidates and residents who are a great cross-section of the community."
Congressman Michael Capuano, who is running for the Senate, was on a meet-and-greet tour that began with an "open mike" event at a cafe in Newburyport followed by Dempsey's breakfast, then another open mike event in Billerica.
The room buzzed when Dempsey introduced Capuano, who said he wanted to stop by and just say "hello."
"I know you don't want a political speech from me, you'll get that from Brian later," Capuano told the cheering crowd.
Capuano reminded the crowd of the special primary election Dec. 8 and the importance of voting that day.
Raymond Dufresne, 81, and his wife, Helen Dufresne, 79, of Haverhill sat at a table with friends and said they look forward to Dempsey's yearly gathering.
"The food is good and it's nice to see people you haven't seen in awhile," Helen Dufresne said. "They used to have it at the Citizens Center, but I really like it here."
Longtime Dempsey supporter Fred Bemis, 72, preferred eating his meal standing up so he could watch the crowd and see who was next to enter the hall.
"All the people here follow politics, that's why they're here," Bemis said. "This event is popular because Brian (Dempsey) is popular."
Joe Connolly of Weymouth, treasurer of Norfolk County, came to support Dempsey and to gain some name recognition in his bid to become state treasurer.
Katherine Craven, executive director of the Massachusetts School Building Authority, attended the breakfast with her father, retired Boston Municipal Court Judge John Craven.
"We have a lot of projects up here, and I feel a connection to the community," said Craven, who holds the purse strings to many multimillion-dollar local school building projects.
Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett was there, so was Methuen Mayor William Manzi as well as state Sen. Steven Baddour and state Rep. Barbara L'Italien.
"Where else can you get this kind of one-on-one contact with local and state candidates?" L'Italien said.
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