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@Text body copy :BARNEY FRANK

HOLYOKE - Democrats everywhere cheered U.S. Rep. Barney Frank in August when he reacted to a woman holding a poster of Obama-as-Hitler at a meeting in Dartmouth by asking "Madam, on what planet do you spend most of your time?"

But the much-publicized exchange that furthered the blunt-speaking Frank's star status among Democrats (he also compared talking to her with talking to a dining room table) had nothing to do with the award local Democrats are to present to him tonight, said Easthampton Democratic Committee member Nicole LaChapelle. The Democrat of the Year award that the Democratic Committees of Easthampton, South Hadley and Holyoke will present to the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee is meant to highlight Frank's work.

"He's there for the disadvantaged. He's there for people whose civil liberties or rights may have been trampled," LaChapelle said. "Along with it, he brings Massachusetts to the forefront, and he's done it all along."

Frank is expected to give a 20-minute speech during the sold-out event at the Log Cabin Banquet Facility, which starts at 7 p.m., and will take questions from the audience and the media after he speaks. U.S. Rep. John Olver will give an introduction.

The Easthampton Democratic Committee presented the award in 2007 to Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.

Frank is the second openly gay member of Congress, coming out more than 20 years ago. During his time in Congress, he has advocated for gay rights, for licensing and regulating online gambling and against predatory lending practices.

Matt Pilon can be reached at mpilon@gazettenet.com.