ADOBBATI: COME VOTE FOR ME, BY INVITATION ONLY

Special to El Rrrun-Rrun

We've got to admit that when we first heard about the "Empanada" festival political campaign fundraiser by 404th District judge candidate Ricardo Adobbati we were thrown for a loop.

Instead of giving away a plate of guisada, a chicken plate, or even holding a loteria, this candidate hit upon  novel way to attract supporters: Let them eat empanadas, the ones they brought to the event themselves.

And then, to bring the air of exclusivity of the political appeal home, each participant was charged $250 each, and $500  per couple.

Now, we're sure that the traffic control guys weren't out at the event keeping away the hordes fighting for a place in line to get in the silk-stocking event and rub shoulders with the royalty, but at $250 a pop what can you expect?

This approach gives new  meaning to the term going after the voters with the dough. And it got us asking whether Adobbati, should he buy his way to a victory to the bench, will admit the public to his court room by invitation - or subpoena - only.

Even the contribution categories ($750 platinum) were a little pricey, and we wonder whether the other candidates in the March primaries will jump aboard the gilded carriage and emulate this approach. This is, after all, a Democratic Party primary, not a GOP function.

It is interesting that on that same day Associate District Judge Louis Sorola had a campaign golf tournament fundraiser with entry fees at a measly $75, and with a chance to win the $900 top prize, a slightly more affordable affair.

As John Lennon quipped of the Beatles performance before  the royal family: "Will the people in the cheaper seats eat your chicken plate? And for the rest of you, if you'll just rattle your jewelry."