J-Flo's fundraiser last night

Good turn-out.

"One vote shy of a quorum," quipped Central Committee head Brian Wahby. Equally noticable were the committeeman and woman of the ward with whom there had previously been a split. Has the rift been healed? Looked like it.

FX Daly was as dapper as usual. Bob Hilgemann mused about life after the legislature. Chink Washington engaged in the rumor of the hour, that Quincy Troupe had filed for Ward 1 alderman fueling speculation that Irene Smith is revving up for a mayoral run. (The alternative rumor from coffee this morning was that Smith is actually moving out of town. Rumors. Rumors. They make me giggle and make me sneeze, dizzy and light-headed I'll believe whatever I please.)

Vince Schoemehl held court at the bar. Lewis Reed gave an eloquent intorduction to Florida. Ward boss Jan Clinite worked the room. Also spotted: alderfolk Ken Ortmann, Peggy Ryan, Tom Bauer, Benice Jones King, Steve Gregali, pres. Jim Shrewsbury, dir. Bill Siedhoff, ED Susan Anderson, Politico Ann Auer, Feasting Foxsters Marty and Sue Luepker and of the proprietor of excitetor Mr. Tran.