By LEONARD GRAY

One of the more pleasant aspects of this job is to drop by one of the holiday luncheons sponsored by area public office-holders. On Thursday, this took me to District Attorney Harry Morel Jr.’s Thanksgiving luncheon for senior citizens.

This year’s luncheon took on more of a political aspect with U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu and Louisiana Attorney General Richard Ieyoub in attendance to boost Landrieu’s candidacy. While the prominent Democrats spoke briefly, the mood was more of a holiday spirit.

Both local Democratic and Republican office-holders attended, some to boost their own political goals to a good-sized audience and others to enjoy the company of old friends. Republicans included Assessor “Rock” Gisclair, Sheriff Greg Champagne, Council members Lance Marino and Dee Abadie, while Democrats included Parish President Albert Laque, Clerk of Court Charles Oubre Jr. and Councilman Desmond Hilaire, along with Morel, of course.

Granted, it’s good political sense to hold these luncheons, as senior citizens tend to be both informed and active voters. Most attendees, though, seemed to be there for the bingo.

It was a good time to visit friends, share a laugh or two and enjoy the pleasure of each other’s company. it also gave the politicians a chance to thank those who helped place them in office and to grant them the respect befitting their years and experience.

LEONARD GRAY is assistant managing editor of L’Observateur.