Going Once, Going Twice, Sold: Myrick '09 Auctioned Off at C.U. Democrats Event

Cornellians vying for dates with campus politicos boasting of their “cuddling skills” may have been pleasantly surprised to see that also up for grabs at the Cornell Democrats’ date auction Monday night was none other than Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick ’09.

The annual auction, which was held at Rulloff’s, wrapped up the Democrats’ spring semester efforts for the 2012 elections.

“I was incredibly nervous — more nervous than I was during election night I believe,” Myrick said.

Despite the butterflies in his stomach, Myrick said he was happy to help out the Cornell Democrats.

The funds from the Democrats’ auction will help support the organization. With the 2012 election approaching, the money will be used to fund voter registration drives, pay for campaign trips to battleground states and bring speakers to campus, according to Hallie Mitnick ’12, a member of the Democrats who emceed the event.

Mitnick asked members on stage probing questions ranging from “what qualities they like in a partner” to “what animal they identify with the most.”

Mitnick was also up for auction herself.

“I’m an old-timer; this is the third time I’ve been auctioned off,” Mitnick said, adding, “it’s tons of fun.”

Myrick’s worries proved to be unwarranted, as he was eventually auctioned off for $45 to Jessie Palmer ’13, incoming president of the Cornell Democrats. Palmer worked for Myrick’s mayoral campaign this past year.

“I think he’s a great voice for young Democrats in New York, and since I’m involved with the Cornell Democrats, I’m excited to hear about his tales of Cornell,” Palmer said.

Palmer said she was not planning an elaborate date with Myrick.

“I think it will be something simple, like probably just dinner and relaxing,” Palmer said.

“I’m very grateful; I’m very grateful she took pity on me,” Myrick said.

Palmer herself was auctioned earlier in the evening for $55 — $10 more than the mayor.

“You know, it’s not a competition,” Myrick said. “That’s what my mom always [tells] me when I lose, so I’m going to try to remember that this time.”