I’ve been to a lot of political fundraisers over the past few years. They are often held around some important event, the passing of some legislation, a politician’s birthday, etc. They often have big name speakers. For example, I went to fundraiser for Howard Dean at George Soros’ house. I went to a fundraiser for Diane Farrell, which featured Hillary Clinton. All of the rich and powerful people are there, and being seen is important.

Last night, I went to Mayor DeStefano’s birthday party. Yes, it was a significant fundraiser, which has helped propel the campaign over the $2 million fundraising mark. Yet it didn’t feel so much like a fundraiser. It felt much more like large birthday party in which the whole extended family was invited.

Kathy, addressing the Birthday Party

The speaker introducing Mayor DeStefano wasn’t Hillary Clinton or George Soros, it was his wife, Kathy DeStefano. The comments were more like what you would expect at a regular birthday party, a few reminiscences of when they met, and about the Mayor’s love of his job. The people striving to be seen weren’t so much the big name politicians, although they were there, as it was the kids just back from college, sitting around what emerged to be “the kids’ table”.

The Kids' Table

This reflects what is so important to me about the DeStefano campaign. Helping make this state better isn’t something reserved for some powerful elite. It is something that each one of us needs to be doing in our daily lives. It is something policemen, truck drivers, hairdressers, kindergarten teachers, students, and mayors all need to be doing together.

Of course, that is how it looked to me. There were lots of people there and everyone had their own experiences. If you attended, please add a few comments about what the party was like for you, and whether or not you attended, add a few reflections about how you can help make Connecticut an even better state.