State Senate GOP bigwigs Dean Skelos and Tom Libous will attend a fundraiser for Sen. Patty Ritchie at Matt Doheny's residence on Caprice Island on July 14.

Mr. Skelos and Mr. Libous are Nos. 1 and 2 in the Senate hierarchy. Mr. Libous, of Binghamton, is very familiar with the north country, making trips during Mrs. Ritchie's successful campaign to win the 48th Senate District.

The Republicans hold a slim, 32-30 advantage in the upper chamber, but the one-vote difference makes all the difference in the world when you can control what legislation comes to the floor. So the Republicans will fight to keep every seat. I don't see this as a sign that Mrs. Ritchie's seat is in serious jeopardy, though a spirited campaign wouldn't surprise me. Darrel Aubertine is happy in his new job as the ag commissioner. Assemblywoman Addie Russell could jump into the race, but a Russell v. Ritchie race far from certain. Plus, I talked to a Democratic campaign operative who explained to me that they're not keen on plunging another few million dollars in this race again after spending big on Mr. Aubertine.

Meanwhile, Mr. Doheny is running for Congress in 2012. I'm sure he'll have a lovely chat with Mr. Skelos on redistricting.

I've attached the invitation below, which is written in nearly incomprehensible script. Prices range from $150 to $1,000.

Ritchie fundraiser invite

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