Monday, January 2, 2012

Obama girl Scarlett Johansson dips her toe in politics again to host fund-raisers for New York mayoral candidate Scott Stringer



 She first hit the campaign trail for Obama, claiming her heart belonged only to him.
But now Scarlett Johansson is lending her support to another Democrat.

The Hollywood star is backing Manhattan borough president Scott Stringer as mayor of New York.
Actress Scarlett Johansson will throw two benefits for Stringer's campaign
Golden touch: Actress will throw two benefits for Stringer's campaign
Johannson first dipped her toe in politics during the 2008 presidential campaign declaring, 'I am engaged to Barack Obama'. She later joked to reporters: 'My heart belongs to Barack.'

But the Match Point star is already well acquainted with Stringer's campaign-her brother Hunter works for the Stringer candidate.
 
The actress has agreed to host two fund-raisers for the mayoral candidate, both on October 3.

The first is at the upscale Plaza Hotel apartments, with tickets ranging from $2,500 to $10,000.

Then later the same night the 'Lost in Translation' star will move down-town to give a party at the trendy Jane Ballroom in Manhattan's West Village, where tickets will go for $50 to $1,000.

The star will also film online campaign ads for Stringer, the New York Post reported.

Scarlett said: 'Scott’s passion for New York is contagious.'
Pressing palms: President of Manhattan Borough Scott Stringer
Pressing palms: President of Manhattan Borough Scott Stringer
 'We share a love for this city’s diversity and culture. As a native New Yorker with a political history dedicated to community development, Scott’s priorities echo my own,.'

She added: 'When Scott is elected mayor, [we] can expect a representative who is focused on making New York a cleaner, greener city, providing affordable housing and preserving the integrity of our varied communities.'
The actress, who grew up in New York's Greenwich Village, says her grandmother worked with Stringer in the 1980s.

Scarlett previously supported Barack Obama during his campaign.
Scarlett previously supported Barack Obama during his campaign.

'Growing up, all my friends lived in affordable housing, which is something that I want to fight to get back.'
She told PolitickerNY. 'Scott’s been a big advocate of affordable housing. I want my friends back in the city. So I believe in Scott. He’s an awesome guy.'
Scarlett is the latest celebrity to make public her endorsement for a mayoral candidate. Anna Wintour has donated to Council Speaker Christine Quinn's campaign. And Cynthia Nixon has lent her support to Public Advocate Bill de Blasio.

Stringer said: 'I am extremely grateful for Ms Johansson’s support. She has a proven ability to energise young voters, and her participation in our campaign will go a long way towards engaging the multi-generational coalition needed to unify our city. I look forward to working closely with her in the years ahead.'