Democrats Turn Out "en masse" to Honor Patrick Kennedy as “Democrat of the Year”

Victorious U.S. Congressman-elect David Cicilline

with Ruth Thumbtzen

Prominent Democrats from around the state gathered in Newport pre-election to honor retiring Congressman Patrick Kennedy as "Democrat of the Year", the award conferred by the Newport Democratic Committee. Putting politics aside (well, almost), the friendly. intimate cocktail reception and seated dinner were filled with good feeling and good cheer as Congressman Jim Langevin, Senator Jack Reed, then- Gubernatorial candidate Frank Caprio, former Congressman Ferdnand St. Germain, Mrs. Claiborne Pell, Speaker of the Rhode Island House Gordon Fox, just-reelected Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts, just- elected U.S. Congressman David Cicilline, Speaker of the House Gordon Fox, former secretary of State Kathleen Connell and long-term Newport Mayor Bob McKenna and (victorious) State Representative Peter Martin and State Senator Charles Levesque talked, joked and toasted. Bud Cicilline oversaw the proceedings, and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse was delayed, sending his regrets.

Charles Levesque with Newport Mayor

Jeanne-Marie Napolitano

An unexpected guest was Mrs. Joan Kennedy, Patrick’s mother, looking lovely in pink, and speaking animatedly with guests. Hugh D. (Yusha) Auchincloss III attended, and the trio was a touching and nostalgic reminder of the glory days of the Kennedy political dynasty.

A short, private meeting of political friends in the "green room" took place just before the dinner, where Senator Teresa Paiva-Weed and Ed Pacheco, Chairman of the Democratic Party for the state of Rhode Island spoke privately with Congressman Kennedy.

Senator Jack Reed discussing the election

After the seated dinner, there were the usual tributes to the outgoing Congressman. Jim Langevin praised him as a leader in disability and mental health issues. Ed Pacheco cited him as a strong partisan leader, helping other candidates, and Rich LeClair, President and CEO of Gateway Health, thanked him for his help in obtaining a grant for helping with children with autism. The Congressman's own remarks were touching and visionary, restating his commitment to neurological science research, and his vow that it will not end when he leaves office. Jimmy Winters provided the dinner music.

Honorary chairpersons were Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Jim Langevin, Senator Jack Reed, Senator SheldonWhitehouse, Congressman Fernand St. Germain, and Mrs. Nuala Pell.

The evening was a great tribute and going away party for Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy. But Newport Seen thinks, somehow, he'll stay involved, interested and effective.