Ellen Pompeo and Justin Chambers at Obama Fundraiser

I’d mentioned that Ellen Pompeo and Justin Chambers would be attending a fundraiser sponsored by the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council of the Democratic Committe (GLLC) in Seattle, Washingon this past weekend to support Senator Obama’s campaign. I couldn’t be there unfortunately, but Grey’s Anatomy News reader Karen did get to go and she was gracious enough to send in her first person account to share with us here. Thanks, Karen!!

Her story, after the jump.

I made it to the Obama fundraiser with Ellen Pompeo and Justin Chambers at the Greg Kucera Gallery in Seattle’s Pioneer Square on Saturday. It’s a beautiful space, and we were all trying not to knock over the horse sculptures that are part of the current show. Attendees were mostly GLBT Obama supporters from the local community, many of whom are active in foundations or the Democratic Party, or are Grey’s Anatomy fans of course. I was glad to see Seattle City Council member Sally Clark (an out lesbian) in the crowd.

After some speeches and introductions of people involved in the campaign, Ellen and Justin each gave a short, heart felt speech about why they support Senator Obama. I’ll paraphrase here, but basically Ellen talked about being the grandchild of Italian immigrants and wanting to bring our country back to the ideals that made them want to come here. She acknowledged some people’s discomfort with actors speaking out on behalf of candidates and political causes, but told us that after having educated herself about Obama, she wanted to show her support for him. She also talked about how happy she was that her two gay uncles can finally get legally married in Massachusetts after having been together for so many years.

Justin spoke about being the father of five children and his concern for the world both now and in his children’s future. A shorter speech but no less effective.

They both mingled with the crowd, chatting, shaking hands and posing for pictures. (I realized later that Justin’s wife took one of us with my camera.) They both looked great and seemed very earnest, sweet and a little shy.

What I wish I’d said (but didn’t because I’m a little shy) is that Justin’s character has really grown on me, in part because of the way his story has developed over time, but also because he does such a nice job with his part. I really look forward to the next season of the show, because of the storytelling and the wonderful, diverse cast of characters, including so many people of color, interracial couples and families and now maybe two women falling in love.

Thanks to everyone who helped put this together.

KarenA