Halloween stands for costumes and candy for most Brooklynites, but for the borough’s left-leaning political leaders, the haunted holiday can only mean one thing: Junior’s.
Democratic 50th A.D. District Leader Steve Cohn hosted his Friends of Steve Cohn annual breakfast at Junior’s where Brooklyn pols chowed down on pancakes, french toast and pumpkin cheesecake while kibitzing with friends and enemies.
For candidates hoping for a victory on November 3, the event represents one of the last opportunities to schmooze and secure endorsements from elected officials.For those seeking reelection or a higher office in 2010, it is a low-key way for leaders to catch up with colleagues and share a little gossip.
Political gadflies began arriving at 8 a.m., only to stand in line and take pictures with Governor David Paterson while giving him their 30-second pitch and wishing him well.
Half an hour later, the breakfast turned into a Thompson love-fest, as City Comptroller Bill Thompson, the Democratic nominee for mayor, made his way through the narrow aisles to greet supporters.Brooklyn Reps. Jerrold Nadler and Ed Towns, Assemblymember Joan Millman (D-Boerum Hill), Senators Kevin Parker (D-Flatbush) and Daniel Squadron (D-Brooklyn Heights), District Attorney Charles Hynes, former Borough President Howard Golden, and Democratic Council nominees Brad Lander (D-Park Slope) and Steve Levin (D-Williamsburg).
Council also-rans John Heyer, Bob Zuckerman, Jo Anne Simon, Isaac Abraham, and Ken Diamondstone joined in the fun too, reminiscing about those Community Newspaper Group/ BCAT sponsored debates which seemed like ages ago.
Borough President Markowitz, a reliable presence at these events, skipped out, but Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer crossed the bridge, joking that he took a left turn and somehow ended up at Junior’s.Pancakes or french toast, Mr. Stringer?
“Egg white omelette,” said Stringer, claiming that he had to “maintain his figure.”
