By Matthew Mosk
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, July 29, 2001; Page C03
 

Most people dread turning 50.

Not Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, who yesterday held her fourth public birthday celebration since hitting the half-century mark on Independence Day.

"I've always thought birthdays were fabulous," the lieutenant governor beamed as she arrived at the Prince George's County home of Major F. Riddick Jr., the former chief of staff for Gov. Parris N. Glendening.

But beneath the festive atmosphere -- cake and balloons, Showboat the Clown and a crowd of Philippine dancers -- was Townsend's attempt to personalize her base of support in an unfamiliar county.

Townsend, a Democrat who is planning a run for Maryland governor next year, attracted about 2,500 people to the backyard barbecue, which was advertised at community meetings, in mailings and on road signs along Indian Head Highway.

In addition to regular folks, the party attracted public figures, including Rep. Albert R. Wynn (D), County Executive Wayne K. Curry (D) and first lady Frances Hughes Glendening.

"Prince George's County is the most densely voter-rich concentration of Democrats in the state. It's wise for her to campaign here," said Curry, who hasn't endorsed any candidate for governor and is considering a run for statewide office himself.

Townsend mingled easily with admiring guests, like fourth-grade teacher Marie Goodman.

"She's smart to come out and let people know who she is," said Goodman, who wore a bright red sticker announcing "We Love Kathleen."

Part of the appeal of yesterday's event was that it was free. Her previous birthday events at the Baltimore Zoo, the Shriver estate in Montgomery County and former comptroller Louis Goldstein's ancestral home in Southern Maryland cost $10 to attend. Combined, they drew an estimated 13,000 people, according to Townsend's chief of staff, Alan Fleischmann.

Townsend probably raised less than $100,000 at the three events combined, Fleischmann said. But the reason for the birthday parties, he said, is organizational and inspirational, not financial.

"The idea is to send a message that politics is not just for those who can afford it. Politics is for people who want to be involved," he said.

With more than a year to go until the 2002 election, Townsend still has no declared opponents. Against possible challengers -- including Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan (D), Rep. Robert Ehrlich (R) and Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley (D), she leads by at least 14 percentage points, according to a July 26 poll by Mason-Dixon.

Yesterday's guests were shuttled from a jammed parking lot in stretch limousines and were asked only to provide their names for future mailings before they wandered behind Riddick's two-story brick house in the Tantallon North neighborhood.

Riddick, who is preparing for a run for Prince George's county executive, said this was the sixth, and largest, community barbecue he has thrown.

And although the event was billed for Townsend, it also brought wider attention to Riddick's own aspirations. "This is about saying happy birthday to the lieutenant governor, but it also has some other purposes as well," said state Sen. Ulysses Currie (D-Prince George's).

In a yard that stretched behind Riddick's house and those of two neighbors, workers served platters of hamburgers, tubs of coleslaw, and trays of cookies and brownies. Townsend roamed the yard shaking hands as a DJ played the Temptations' "My Girl."

One woman even presented her with an aromatherapy candle as a birthday gift.

Fleischmann looked on, smiling.

"Is it a political event? Sure," he said. "But it's also an event to celebrate Kathleen's birthday . . . because they love her."

Staff writer Lori Montgomery contributed to this report.
 
 

© 2001 The Washington Post Company