The weekend that Pennsylvania politicos have been awaiting all year finally arrived, with less intrigue than last year but as much liquor as ever.
Largely gathered under one roof - New York City's Waldorf Astoria Hotel - the annual schmoozefest known as the Pennsylvania Society got off to its usual start Friday night, complete with at least one stumblng figure carrying a bottle of eggnog down East 49th Street, outside the hotel, in the wee hours of the night.
But there was no drama like last year when Bob Brady suddenly surfaced in the hotel lobby as proof he was serious about joining the five-man race for mayor, while the then-underdog and now Mayor-elect Michael Nutter drew nary a crowd.
Last night, though, mixmaster Mike was mixing it up on the dance floor - arms out, hips grooving - at the reception sponsored by Local 98, whose leader John Dougherty is hardly known to be his best friend. Meanwhile, Nutter's two-man plainclothes security detail stood at the edge of the dance floor prepared for potential trouble. It was not something Nutter had to deal with when he was here before as a mere City Councilman.
The best highlight so far happened early Friday afternoon at an invitation-only event sponsored by Chester County business leaders. While receiving an award from the group, state Sen. Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R., Delaware) made a point of singling out Nutter, who has already met with him more than once, as well as with other other suburban leaders. Pileggi's' point: He said out loud and clear that he had yet to meet Mayor Street, at all, ever.
Street was said to be in town for what would be one of his last events as Philadelphia mayor. But if he was, few people reported seeing him as of Saturday afternoon.
Even though it is three years away, several potential candidates for governor were holding court at various law-firm and other privately-sponsored cocktail receptions. Among those making the rounds were two Republicans, U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan and state Attorney General Tom Corbett. Democrats included Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham, Allegheny County Executive Don Onorato, state Auditor General Jack Wagner, and businessman Tom Knox (a well-known foodie who gave a thumbs up to the crab cakes served up at Wagner's reception).
More debauchery expected tonight. The party goes on.
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