Loyal Democrats gathered Monday night at the Sheet Metal Workers Union Hall for the Democrat City Committee's pre-general-election fundraiser. The room, however, was only half full, considering it's an off year with only the district attorney, city controller and local judgeships on the ballot. Proceeds from the $150 tickets will still help the party build a war chest for next year's bigger show — the races for U.S. Senate, Congress and governor.

Up for judicial retention is Supreme Court Justice Russell Nigro, who arrived looking natty in a gray pinstripe suit. Nigro, the only supreme from Philadelphia, is concerned that voters upset about the state House pay raises will take it out on him by going against his retention.

Radio personality and former state Sen. Bob Rovner said he urges listeners on his show to vote for both Nigro and Justice Sandra Newman because he believes it will be more costly to taxpayers if Nigro and Newman are voted out.

"Then, we would have a special statewide election, and that would cost millions," said Rovner.

U.S. Rep. and Democratic City Committee Chairman Bob Brady announced the names of the candidates from the stage and has a new name for city controller candidate Alan Butkovitz: "Butko Man."

Bob Casey Jr. joined the candidates onstage and made a pitch for his race next year against U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum.

Gov. Ed Rendell was a no-show, this despite the recent announcement that Republican Bill Scranton Jr. will run against him next year.

Mayor John Street took the mic and expounded on the importance of the election and, in a rare conciliatory gesture, publicly acknowledged City Council President Anna Verna for all her efforts on council. Verna, well dressed and looking relaxed, showed little reaction to Street's accolades. She said it is unlikely that she will call a special election to fill the vacant seat of Councilman David Cohen, who recently passed away.

"We have six competent councilpersons at-large," she said.

How difficult will it be for committee people to generate interest in their wards about what is basically a ho-hum election?

"It will be hard to energize people in some parts of South Philly," observed Angela Cinquino, a committeewoman of 32 years. "I'll have to go out and knock on doors because most people will forget there's an election."

David Focer, a committeeman in the 21st Ward, said he would be pushing Common Pleas Court Judge Matt Carrafiello for retention.

Vince Lowry, leader of the 55th Ward in Mayfair, said he thinks state Rep. Michael McGeehan will win a council seat if Councilwoman Joan Krajewski decides not to seek re-election in 2007.

"I think Mike Driscoll won't run if Mike McGeehan does," said Lowry. Driscoll, who owns the Northern Liberties bar conglomerate Finnegan's Wake, last ran unsuccessfully for a council at-large seat in 2003.

The party didn't come at the best time for incumbent District Attorney Lynne Abraham, who is riding high on the success of her office's exposé of clergy sex abuse. That night, supporters gathered at the Prime Rib where her fundraiser, scheduled months ago, was also being held.

The Belmont Mansion is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

Situated on Belmont Plateau, the oldest historic mansion in Fairmount Park has long been in need of repair. The American Women's Heritage Society (AWHS), the volunteer stewards of the mansion, have tried for years to get the funds to make the repairs necessary to preserve the building.

More than $2 million earmarked for repairs had sat in city coffers for years, held up because of a dispute over whether the mansion's third floor was used as part of the Underground Railroad.

AWHS retained historians to support their contention that slaves were hidden there, and that to preserve an important part of history, the repairs must include proper restoration of the third floor. The Historical Commission did not agree that any part of Belmont was part of the route for escapees from slavery and approved the Fairmount Park Commission's proposal to restore the mansion to its state in 1816, as it was portrayed in an archived watercolor painting.

AWHS prevailed as Mayor Street recently pronounced the Belmont a true testimony to the Underground Railroad.

"I am excited and thrilled that the repairs to Belmont will include the third floor, which is where the slaves hid," said AWHS President Audrey Johnson-Thornton.

U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah has secured additional federal funding and the mansion is expected to attract more tourists.

"It only took more than a decade," said Johnson-Thornton.