Hollywood Contributes $500,000 to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Re-Election Campaign
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo blew into Hollywood Friday for a fundraiser and left with at least $500,000 in contributions and the sort of rave reviews that bring press agents -- and political strategists -- to tears.
Cuomos unflinching advocacy of marriage equality has made him a favorite among the industrys Democratic activists, many of whom once nourished hopes that theyd get a chance to support his storied father, Mario, for the presidency. Cuomos masterful leadership of New Yorks successful legislative campaign to recognize the right to marriage equality has tapped into those memoriesand the concerns of a new generation of activist Dems.
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Fridays event -- dinner for 40 and a reception for about 80 guests -- was held at the home of interior designer and White House decorator Michael S. Smith and and his partner, HBO executive James Costas. The couple, who also maintain a residence in New York, also are major Democratic fundraisers, who have collected more than $1 million to support President Barack Obamas reelection campaign.
Among the co-hosts of Fridays reception and dinner were liberal stalwarts Rob and Michele Reiner, Steve Bing, Katie McGrath and J.J. Abrams, Candy Spelling, Darren Star, Chris Albrecht, Kevin Huvane, and
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Attendees included:MGM co-chairman Roger Birnbaum, Chelsea Handler, producer John Goldwyn and his parter Jeff Klein, who owns the Sunset Tower Hotel, Hard Rock Cafe owner Peter Mortin, Cynthia Sikes Yorkin, Vanessa Williams, Los Angeles City Controller and mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel, Occidental Petroleum CEO Ray Irani, director James Burrows, and producer Jennifer Todd.
According to one of the supporters in attendance, the younger Cuomo wowed the crowd: This was a cynical room filled with people whove seen every politician whos come through this town over the past 30 years and Cuomos description of his reasons for backing marriage equality simply riveted the group.
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People left the event, saying "2016.
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