Democrats of Hoboken Come Together

Hoboken Democrats came together Wednesday night to celebrate their party, while enjoying drinks, hors d'oeuvres and—we are in Hoboken after all—Frank Sinatra. 

The Hoboken Democratic Party hosted a fundraiser at City Bistro to discuss some major issues. Key Democratic leaders, such as U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, State Democratic Party Chairman John Wisniewski and Assemblyman (and former Hoboken Council President) Ruben Ramos.

"It's great to be back home, in Hoboken," Menendez said as he took the microphone from Mayor Dawn Zimmer.

Menendez spoke about the recent passing of the health car bill as well as his plans to pass legislation to help small business owners to advance the economy. Menendez called the debate on health care "the most volatile debate I have ever seen," and pointed out that 1.5 million people in the state of New Jersey are currently without health care. 

"Our party is the party of opportunity," Menendez said. 

About 100 people attended the event and roughly $2,000 was raised, said Assemblyman Ruben Ramos. The event, for which tickets were $25, was not about raising a lot of money, but more about getting together and uniting as a party.

Councilmen Ravinder Bhalla, Michael Lenz and David Mello as well as Councilwoman Theresa Castellano all attended the event. Board of Education candidates Ken Howitt and Kyelia Colon were there too. 

Hoboken's own Democratic leader, Mayor Zimmer, also said a few words, thanking everybody for coming to the event. 

"I know that you all care," Zimmer said. "You're at the front lines of advocating for positive change."

Another topic the officials discussed was Gov. Chris Christie's announced budget cuts. Wisniewski said the Democrats are still getting used to having a Republican governor, and disagreed with the proposed cuts in the budget. Ramos called the Christie's proposed budget "unjust."

After the speeches, guests ate, drank and enjoyed music by Frank Sinatra Idol Eric DeLauro, who performed all night and mingled with the crowd—all with the goal of building a stronger Democratic party. And in the end, DeLauro's—or Sinatra's words may resonate longest: "the best is yet to come."