A Dinner for Young Dems

About 200 young Democrats, and Democrats young at heart, gathered at the Lexington Hotel in Oxon Hill last Thursday for the annual Kennedy-King dinner of the Prince George's County Young Democrats.

Rep. Steny H. Hoyer gave the keynote address at the event, a fundraiser for the group aimed at Democrats 36 and younger. Luminaries in attendance included Comptroller Peter Franchot, Democratic nominee for Congress Donna F. Edwards, newly elected County Council member Andrea Harrison, state party Chairman Michael Cryor and former county executive Wayne K. Curry.

Numerous state delegates, senators and county central committee members attended.

"The young Democrats are really committed to making positive change, not just in our county but statewide," said Kim Ross, press secretary for the group. "We've shown this in primaries across the country. The youth vote has had real force. Part of what we try to do is engage young people, not just to vote but to invest in the future."

Ross said the fundraiser is part of a strategy to expand the group's visibility. Young Democrats also hosted a recent women's history event, as well as a debate before last month's special election for the District 5 County Council seat.