Not since 1977 have Nassau Republicans held a primary for the county executive nomination.

The Nassau Republicans have been out there working to let people know the election has not yet taken place.

The rejection suffered by the Nassau Republicans was their worst in decades.

Nassau Republicans, who are usually held in line by a strong party organization, are having their own battles.

And Nassau Republicans may be reluctant to place themselves in an internal party crossfire by joining his administration.

Does that mean the Nassau Republicans have lost their magic?

"The voters don't even have a say in it," said one prominent Nassau Republican who asked not to be identified.

Nassau Republicans said that up to 4,500 people paid $150 to attend the dinner.

But there is a difference this time around, and it reflects the fortunes of the Nassau Republicans.

Nassau Republicans, particularly the county's five state senators, have been forced to reinvent themselves in a tough election year.