Party Lines Blurred by Spaghetti Supper

November 4, 2008

It turns out a hot plate of food can do more than satisfy an empty stomach. The usual political tension of Election Day seemed subdued at the Cathedral Academy of Pompei where local politicians came together at the 59th annual Spaghetti Supper. “It’s one of the few times Democrats and Republicans will shake hands and wish each other luck,” said County Legislator Mark Stanczyk, D-Syracuse, who sat across from his Republican counterpart Kathleen Rapp, R-Liverpool.

Fifty years ago, the supper started as a parents’ club fundraiser that raised money for students. Six decades later, thousands of people are attending the event and politicians are shaking a few more hands.

“If you’re running for office, it’s the last time to put your face in front of a big crowd of voters,” said Mike Vavonese, a parishioner at Our Lady of Pompei Church.

For 25^th District Democratic Congressional candidate Dan Maffei, the hearty meal was a reprieve from the stress of Election Day.

“It’s been a long and difficult campaign,” said Michael Whyland, communications director for the Maffei team. “It’s relaxing to just sit down and enjoy some good food for a change.”

Republican candidate Dale Sweetland is just happy to get away from the cutthroat environment of politics.

“It makes you feel good,” he said. “Everyone wishes you good luck. There’s nothing partisan about this.”

7,000 meatballs, 6,400 pounds of pasta and 300 gallons of tomato sauce can have that affect on people.

“Nobody’s a Republican or a Democrat here,” said Father Paul Angelicchio. “You’re a Pompeian.”