Cheney's Return Engagement

VP Dick Cheney, who was last in Manhattan to raise money for now-disgraced Rep. Vito Fossella, (back before the drunk driving/out-of-wedlock kid scandals), is returning to the city to headline the state GOP's annual dinner.

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Here's state GOP Chairman Joe Mondello's statement, which puts a rather positive spin on the outlook for the party, given the recent turn of events:

"We are particularly honored to have such a distinguished group of Republicans-- led by our Vice President Dick Cheney who have served their constituents here in New York and across the nation with dedication and character.”

"With appearances by Vice President Cheney and New York’s premier Republicans including Mayor Giuliani, Senator Bruno, Assemblyman Tedisco and others, it’s going to be a great time to gather together, reaffirm our principles and plans for the future, and be proud to be New York Republicans.”

"I'm glad that we're following the winning model that they put forth in Mississippi," an aide to former Gov. George Pataki quipped. "It's just so ridiculous, I can' t even be pithy because it's assinine."

A Senate Republican questioned how at a time when the GOP is fighting to maintain its slim majority the party can bring into New York "the only person more unpopular than George Bush."

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"What the hell is Mondello doing?" the senator said. "I just don't get it."

"To bring in Dick Cheney, it's almost a campaign ad for us," said state Democratic Party spokesman Jonathan Rosen.