This past August, in a typical Los Angeles fashion, Hollywood met Washington at the star-studded fundraiser Chairman of Fox Studios Jim Gianopoulos and his wife Ann hosted for Alexi Giannoulias, the 33-year old Greek-American who is running for US Senate in the state of Illinois.
By Alexandros Mizan
Among the Giannoulias supporters who attended the event were Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and “My Life in Ruins”), Melina Kanakarides (“CSI New York”), Kary Antholis President of HBO, Michael Chiklis (“The Shield”; “Fantastic Four”), Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post, Paul Adelstein (“Private Practice”) and leaders of the American Hellenic Council such as its legendary Vice President Aris Anagnos, famous for his liberal political action over the years, Dino Andrianos and Mike Galanakis, the current President of the Council, who have both been active in SAE and in the local political scene over the years and have been early supporters of Alexi in his campaign for the Senate. They were optimistic for Alexi's success and were eager to be there and help him every step of the way. Mr. Anagnos expressed his satisfaction that Mr. Giannoulias is a healthcare-reform supporter and has a very good shot at a US Senate seat. Guests had also the opportunity to meet and greet the new Consul General of Greece in Los Angeles, Mrs. Elisavet Fotiadou.
After the attendees got a chance to taste the Greek-cuisine hoer d’oeuvres, Mr. Gianopoulos warmly greeted Mr. Giannoulias with a short, sincere introduction. He stressed that he sees in Alexi a new generation that is needed in the Senate in order to bring meaningful change in the way business is done in Washington. It’s notable that even though Mr. Gianopoulos is generally not involved in political activities, he chose Mr. Giannoulias and opened his home to him. Later, Alexi after he mentioned he was excited to be in Hollywood, he joked that if he hadn’t had “other obligations” he would be totally content living at Mr. Gianopoulos’ guest house.
Giannoulias, 33, is the son of Greek immigrants and is the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination for President Barack Obama’s old Senate seat. “I was honored to have so many Greek Americans and philhellenes come out and support our campaign in Los Angeles. Greeks are a generous people in everything we do, and I’ve seen that every day on the campaign trail. All across Illinois, and even from coast to coast, Greek Americans are offering their time, money, and support to this campaign, and I am incredibly grateful for their support,” Giannoulias said.
This race is the opportune moment for Greeks to show their political force. “Greek Americans have demonstrated in the past, specifically with Michael Dukakis that they can come together nationally and work to elect their own candidates. This election provides us with another change to prove that yes, we are a political force that is on par with any other community or advocacy group in the United States.”
In March, Giannoulias launched an Exploratory Committee for the Senate run, and raised $1.1 million in less than one month. Since then, Giannoulias ranks second in fundraising for Senate candidates seeking open seats. Polls show him with a commanding lead in the Democratic primary, which will occur on February 2, 2010, less than five months from now.
The event winded down a little before sunset but not before almost everybody had a chance to speak one-to-one with the promising new star of Greek-American politics. Overall, it was a quiet gathering with a typical Greek family feeling, where one felt at home, even if you were next to Hollywood celebrities and political figures.
The Alexi for Illinois Campaign also contributed to this report.
