They forked over $100K by the time it was all over and it wasn’t the typical I love my freeholder even if I don’t really need to know his name Nanina in the Park crowd.

Brendan Gill’s fundraiser last night had a decidedly front office COS feel to it, almost an embossed inevitability, as the freeholder’s biggest client, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy, maintains a 14 point lead over his Republican rival, and appears headed for Drumthwacket with Gill glued to him.

Big crowd.

Essex County Democratic Committee Chairman Leroy Jones was in the room, so was most of the legislative delegation, including former Acting Governor (and state Senator) Dick Codey. That didn’t stand in the way of Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo making an appearance. Interesting faces abounded in the room. Paul Fishman, the former U.S. Attorney, was seen. Defense attorney Joe Hayden towered above a consort of fellow power attorneys, including DeCotiis.

A broad section of West State Street lobbyists gave the whole event a Trenton – more than an Essex – feel.

Building Trades.

IBEW.

Laborers.

Carpenters.

Plumbers.

PBA.

FMBA.

It was a muscled up room ready to take over with prized consigliere Gill’s ear comfortably in nibbling range between the world and Murphy.