St. Pat's Breakfast Mixes Concern For Menino With Jabs

BOSTON (AP) — Top elected officials in Massachusetts have gathered at Boston's annual St. Patrick's Day breakfast mixing political humor with concern about former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino's health problems.

Mayor Martin Walsh says the ex-mayor, referring to a diagnosis of cancer, told him he's beaten it before.

State Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry said Sunday the breakfast was dedicated to Menino. A video featured the ex-mayor advising Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick about life after politics.

Forry, the first woman, Dorchester resident and Haitian-American to host the political roast, acknowledged the contrast with white Irish-American men who were featured at previous breakfasts.

She advised those watching on TV to not adjust the picture. She said nothing was wrong with it.

Prime Minister Edna Kenny was the first Irish prime minister to attend the breakfast.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Share your thoughts: Send a message to former Boston Mayor Tom Menino as he battles cancer.

MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON