Rell Woos Hedge Funders at Darien Steakhouse

Gov. M. Jodi Rell treated representatives of some 15 New York financial firms to dinner at the Water's Edge at Giovanni's II Monday night, part of an attempt to woo hedge fund business over the border, reports the New York Post.

The dinner was originally scheduled against the backdrop of a proposed New York State tax on hedge fund managers who commute into the state. Even though the tide has since turned against that plan, Gov. Rell chose to keep last night's steakhouse date.

The Post writes that Rell and guests "shared hors d'oeuvres like crab cakes, shrimp and fried calamari with Rell, then dined on filet mignon and drank cocktails, beer and wine from an open bar."

Among the reported attendees:

• Brett Cohen of JGB Capital
• Jeffrey Bortnick of Kleinberg, Kaplan, Wolff & Cohen PC
• John Brunjes of Bracewell & Giuliani
• Investors from Selby
• Investors from Taconic Capital
• Robert Eick, Connecticut Development Authority

Read the full story from the New York Post: NY funders wined and dined by Conn. gov