State Republican chairman Ed Cox has slated the party's annual big-ticket fundraising dinner for Sept. 14 -- shortly before his term ends and Republicans vote on keeping him. Cox recently sent invites for the $1,000-per-plate gala at the Sheraton New York in Manhattan. Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour will be the keynote speaker.

Cox faced heat from some Republicans after the party won no statewide offices last year, despite gains in the State Legislature and Congress. Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor in 2010, has made it known he's considering challenging Cox. -- Yancey Roy

Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, of Bay Shore, was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His mother has made it her mission to aid active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and Gold Star families. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credit: Cathy Heighter

'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.

Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, of Bay Shore, was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His mother has made it her mission to aid active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and Gold Star families. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credit: Cathy Heighter

'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.

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