Politicians break bread during 76th Election Day spaghetti dinner (photos)

Syracuse, N.Y. — Before the votes are counted, Syracuse politicians and parishioners count on a heaping plate of pasta.

Tuesday marked the 76th year that Our Lady of Pompei at 915 N. McBride St. has served pasta dinners on Election Day .

Over the past few days, dozens of parish volunteers rolled 6,000 meatballs, boiled 700 pounds of pasta, wrapped 250 loaves of bread and stirred 200 gallons of homemade marinara sauce.

The long-running tradition brings candidates and elected officials together one last time before they retreat to watch the returns. For at least one afternoon, political rivals set aside their differences and share a meal.

The dinner runs until 7 p.m. For $12, guests get a plate of pasta with meatballs and sauce, bread, salad, a soft drink and a chocolate chip cookie. P