Lynn Democrats Enjoy Annual Cookout

Lynn Democrats gathered for the Lynn Democratic City Committee’s 14th Annual Family Cookout Sunday at Coley and Deb Walsh’s yard on Coolidge Road.

Coley Walsh co-chairs the 250-member LDCC along with Agnes Ricko.

State and local officials and candidates for statewide and local office attended the event and enjoyed hot dogs, hamburgers, and various salads followed by a homemade dessert contest.

Michael Dukakis, former Massachusetts governor and the 1988 Democratic nominee for President of the United States, and his wife, Kitty Dukakis, attended the cookout. Dukakis said he and his wife will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with an upcoming family trip to Athens, Greece and Crete. Dukakis said his three children, their spouses, and eight grandchildren will be making the trip.

“When I first met this great wife of mine and we decided to get married, we had two basic rules, one that I would be home for dinner at 6 o’clock at night, and no politics on Sunday with four exceptions: the St. Patrick’s Day parade, Greek Independence Day, Combined Jewish Philanthropies Super Sunday – the fourth exception was if Agnes called me,” said Dukakis, drawing laughter from the large assemblage. “That’s why we’re here today.”

State Treasurer Steve Grossman and Secretary of State Bill Galvin were the constitutional officers who addressed the gathering. Congressman John Tierney, accompanied by his wife, Patrice, enjoyed a great reception from the attendees and gave brief remarks.

State Rep. Steve Walsh was among the state legislators in attendance and a crowd favorite. Considered a rising star in the state Democratic Party whose efforts in slowing down the rising costs of health care were lauded by The Boston Globe, Walsh made his way through the large crowd shaking hands and welcoming some of the candidates in attendance, including his colleague, State Sen. Barry Finegold, who is considering a run for state treasurer.

Ricko was pleased with the large turnout for the event on a 95-degree day.

“It’s a great turnout and every year the event seems to grow,” said the 75-year-old Ricko. “The weather seems to get warmer every year. We’re very happy that we have the tent. It makes a lot of people feel very comfortable being under the tent.”

Ricko said the LDCC and state Democratic Party has had had a great run in recent elections.

“Congressman John Tierney’s victory last year was great as was electing Senator Elizabeth Warren, re-electing President Obama, and Edward Markey’s recent victory for U.S. Senate,” said Ricko.

One topic at the cookout was a Boston Sunday Globe story in which Marblehead resident Seth Moulton said that he will be a candidate in the 2014 election for the seat currently held by Congressman Tierney.

“I saw today’s Globe,” said Ricko. “I’m a John Tierney supporter, always have been, always will be.”

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