The annual Serafin holiday party at Butch McGuire’s was replaced with a video Tuesday night and all the usual characters popped in, including political operative Richard Streetman singing a rendition of “Let It Snow” — with the lyrics switched to “stay at home, stay at home, stay at home!”
There were plenty of toasts, stories about the good old days, a yarn about Dan Rostenkowski, and hat tips to the diverse guest list of elected officials from both sides of the political aisle, journalists and political operatives.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul smiled (maybe through gritted teeth) when he praised the party for bringing together political opponents and “journalists who may have been critical of our work in the past.”
Tribune’s John Kass was there, too. “Everybody has their swords down because of you,” Kass said of Thom Serafin, who hosts the party with Serafin operations director Jim Webb and his political consulting team.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot made an appearance. “For decades this event has served as the unofficial holiday kickoff for Chicago’s political world,” Lightfoot said. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to celebrate in person again next year.”
Also spotted: Reps. Robin Kelly, Bobby Rush, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, Secretary of State Jesse White, Ald. Gilbert Villegas, Ald. Emma Mitts, Ald. Stephanie Coleman, and Cook County Circuit Judge Diane Shelley.
This video event was packed with names, but it’s nothing like the real thing, noted MWRD Commissioner Mariyana Spyropoulos. “If there’s one party that definitely couldn’t take place in a Covid world, it’s this one.”
Just like the live event, the show had a philanthropic component. Viewers were encouraged to support Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.
“The theme is friendship, sticking together, being thankful for each other, kind to each other and leaving your differences at the door,” Serafin said.
Amen and Happy Thanksgiving, folks.
