Senators have Red Carpet Moment

Several lawmakers had a Hollywood moment Tuesday night as they attended a movie-themed fundraiser but not all of them stayed for the free film.

Sens. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) were among the guests at a fundraiser for Tracy’s Kids, which has provided emotional therapy for children diagnosed with cancer since 1991.

In addition to its work helping children, the group awards a public official with its Courage Award. This year’s winner was McCain, who kept working in the Senate despite suffering from an advanced case of melanoma on his face.

“Wear sunscreen and stay out of the sun,” McCain advised. “Be careful, see your dermatologist.”

The fundraiser screens Oscar-nominated movies for its guests, and this year attendees got to choose from “Milk,” “Rachel Getting Married,” “Doubt,” “Revolutionary Road,” “Slumdog Millionaire” and “The Dark Knight.”

“Slumdog” was full to capacity long before the movies began, while the other films only had a smattering of people watching them. Leahy had a cameo role in the Dark Knight, and Cardin was excited to see it.

“I want to see him in his premier role,” Cardin said. “I was disappointed he didn’t get the Oscar nomination.”

McCain didn’t stay for the free movie, saying he had no time. “I have to get back to the office, I’m sorry to say,” he said.

— Samuel Rubenfeld