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ATTLEBORO - These are trying times for Democrats with President Barack Obama trying to fix the economy and Gov. Deval Patrick struggling to balance the state budget, but there was nothing but optimism at a party unity breakfast Saturday.

About 150 attended the breakfast at the Moose Cabin restaurant to hear local Democratic officials give their take on the current state of affairs.

Sara Orozco of Needham, who ran unsuccessfully for state Senate last year, said it is easy to be "cynical" in these times of economic recession, but there is also a lot to be thankful for.

Secretary of State William Galvin and state Sen. James Timilty, D-Walpole, said Massachusetts is better off now than in the past because it has a partner in the White House in the person of President Barack Obama.

State Rep. Bill Bowles, D-Attleboro, said the Legislature is trying to respond to the public by passing ethics reform to clean up government and restructure the way the state's transportation system is run. However, state Rep. Steve D'Amico, D-Seekonk, said the economic recession is forcing the Legislature to make "cruel choices," and services for the most needy are being cut.

He predicted a tax increase will soon be necessary.

But, while there was some talk of policy, the event was mostly a social one.

Participants ate, drank coffee and chatted about past campaigns.

Most of those in attendance were local Democratic activists, but there were some in audience from throughout Eastern Massachusetts.

The breakfast has become an annual affair in Attleboro and has grown to become one of the largest political events in the region.