Eunice and Sargent Shriver host Best Buddies Ball
Proponents of the Buddies System
Caption: Eunice Shriver, center, plays host to Tom Harkin and Ted Kennedy at the 15th Best Buddies Ball. (Stephanie K. Kuykendal - For The Washington Post)
The unofficial East Coast headquarters of Arnold for Governor was all abuzz. We're speaking of the Potomac home of Schwarzenegger in-laws Eunice and Sargent Shriver, who played host to 600 guests Saturday at the 15th Best Buddies Ball. "It takes a Republican in the Kennedy family to win these days," said co-chair Raul Fernandez. "But they're very happy about it." Maria and Arnold were in Recall-land, but the rest of the Shrivers waved the family flag. "I said, 'Eunice, I can't believe you're finally supporting a Republican!' " reported Rep. Mark Foley. "She said, 'Don't say that, dear.' "
"Very excited," Eunice Shriver calmly said of her reaction to the race. "Very optimistic. Very confident in Arnold."
The party raised $1 million and was filled with that glamorous mix of Kennedys and Hollywood: Best Buddies founder Anthony Shriver, actors Robert De Niro (who didn't want to talk about anything) and Penelope Ann Miller, Sen. Ted Kennedy (who didn't want to talk about Arnold), the Temptations and Sen. Tom Harkin, who was honored for his work for people with disabilities (and was happy to talk about Arnold). "The votes aren't in yet," Harkin said with a smile. "If he wins, maybe he'll see the light and become Democrat."
