Senators Party at Gracie Mansion

That's how the ever-affable Senator Malcolm Smith greeted some people who arrived at Gracie Mansion last night for Mayor Bloomberg's annual party with state Senators, according to one attendee.

It was a bi-partisan affair, with guests including senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, Manhattan senators Tom Duane, Liz Kruger, Deputy Mayor Kevin Sheekey, and others in attendance. Unlike some other parties the mayor has held at Gracie Mansion, Bloomberg posed for pictures with nearly every guest (anybody want to send me their copy?).

The timing of this annual party couldn't have been better, coming one day before a pivotal special election for Michael Balboni's seat in Nassau kicks into high gear. While Governor Spitzer, Tom Suozzi, and key Democratic operatives are all heading to Nassau to help Craig Johnson, a local legislator, its not clear how much Bloomberg will get involved to help Republicans and their candidate, Nassau County Clerk, Maureen O'Connell.