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Reno Dance Party Brings Twist to Florida Campaign
Wed Jul 10, 9:32 AM ET
By Jane Sutton
MIAMI (Reuters) - Inspired by a television skit that spoofed Janet Reno ( news - web sites) as the gawky host of a basement dance club, the former U.S. attorney general is throwing a real-life "Janet Reno Dance Party" at a Miami Beach nightclub to raise money for her gubernatorial campaign.
Reno will court young voters during the July 19 fund-raiser at the Level nightclub on glitzy South Beach, campaign spokeswoman Nicole Harburger said on Tuesday.
A $25 campaign contribution will get revelers past the velvet ropes at the cavernous club that bills itself as "a mecca for the world's most beautiful people."
The Florida Democrat marked the end of her tenure as attorney general in January 2001 by appearing on NBC's "Saturday Night Live ( news - Y! TV)," where actor Will Ferrell dressed in drag to portray Reno as an achingly un-hip dance party host.
On the show, Reno crashed through a fake wall and danced the twist with Ferrell, the two identically clad in matronly royal blue dresses with matching jackets and pearls.
"She is still approached around the state by people who remember that, who think it was so funny," Harburger said. "We've consistently heard from people that if we had a dance party of our own it would be a terrific way to engage young people in the campaign."
Voter polls show Reno leading the race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. If she wins the Sept. 10 primary, she will face Republican Gov. Jeb Bush, the younger brother of President Bush ( news - web sites), in the November general election.
Harburger said the fund-raiser was aimed at showcasing Reno's "fun, down-to-earth" side but suggested it was unlikely she would don the slinky club wear favored by many of Level's taut and bare-naveled patrons.
"I think many people are hoping there will be a second coming of the blue dress. We shall see," Harburger said.
Level's music runs toward loud, throbbing techno and hip-hop. Reno favors country music and classical music "but she loves to dance," Harburger said.
Level co-owner Gerry Kelly said actors Damon and Marlon Wayans would attend, as will several of the late reggae star Bob Marley's musical offspring and "tons and tons of other celebrities."
