BERNACE ENERGIZES THE BASE

This isn't your father's political fund-raiser.

Havana Nights flyer
NEW YORK (AP) -- With his campaign for city council going no place fast, Victor Bernace felt he needed something special to spark interest in his next fund-raiser. How about exotic dancers?

The New York Democrat said Saturday he plans to have bikini-clad go-go dancers and men in nothing but briefs at a "Havana Night" campaign party next month at a Manhattan nightclub.

There will be no nudity at the $20-per-head event, Bernace said, but he promised "a sexy, erotic show."

"I'm throwing a fun event. Most politicians — I've been to their fund-raisers, and they are boring," he said. "People can go with a standard politician who will disappear into the woodwork. I'm trying to be part of the next generation."

...Asked if he thought a risque event might offend some voters, Bernace said he wasn't concerned and suggested the event might help get young men interested in politics.

"I'm not running for mayor in a small, old-time religious town in Utah. I'm running in New York City," he said. "I might as well try to energize a different base."

The Umbrella Lounge, site of the Democrat's fund-raiser, claims to be the spot for "exclusive events" and the hang-out of "sophisticated guests."

Yes, well,...right.

The NY Daily News writes:
The campaign will hold an "open call" through its Web site, www.bernace.com, for the dancers, and is seeking "volunteer" bumpers-and-grinders.

That's because Bernace says he checked with the Campaign Finance Board, and was told he can't use campaign cash to pay for "erotic dancers."

Bernace's campaign trough is almost as skimpy as the dancers' outfits.

...Bernace needs at least 75 donations from residents in the district, totaling $5,000, to qualify for Campaign Finance Board matching funds.

So his publicist friend, Myra Colon, suggested throwing a "Havana Night" fund-raiser honoring his Cuban heritage.

"It's gonna be more of a sexy Latin dance versus conventional, a-bunch-of-girls-get-naked," said Colon, adding, "Or guys, for that matter.

"We are also looking at having cigars, a few other typical Cuban things - maybe even tarot card readers."

Sources said some in Bernace's camp want to target "middle-age, lonely men" living in the district.

Asked whether the event might seem a tad risqué, even by New York standards, Bernace, 41, joked, "It might be unusual if you're a white Anglo-Saxon or from Utah ... [but] I don't think there's anything wrong with having a slightly sexy, naughty show to bring in voters and to bring in money."

Victor Bernace thinks that resorting to erotica will give him a leg up.

I wouldn't be surprised if his fund-raiser helps his campaign. As he said, he's not running for office in a "small, old-time religious town in Utah." He's reaching out to voters in blue state territory.

Bernace's "Havana Night" may not be enough to bring him victory in the election, but I suspect the event will get him noticed.

Dr. Dean will probably be paying close attention. If the fund-raiser is successful, expect to see similar events popping up around the country.

I think what Bernace really needs to jump start his campaign is a good high-profile endorsement.

Do you think Bill Clinton might want to get on the bandwagon?

Maybe Teddy Kennedy?