GOP Chairman Race: An Invite That Looks Like an Endorsement. Updated.

The sponsors say it’s just an invitation to a party. Others see it as Republican leaders giving a wink and a nod to party chair hopeful John Pavia in the hope that he’ll get some traction with state committee voters.

The event is a May 21st reception for new members of the Republican State Central Committee. Legislative leaders Len Fasano and Themis Klarides join popular party finance chair Leora Levy and Pavia on the invitation for the event  at the Canoe Club in East Hartford  Sheraton in Rocky Hill .

Pavia rivals J.R. Romano and state Senator Joe Markley are not included on the invitation, though they are invited to the event.

The revised invitation does have the look of an endorsement. You decide.

UPDATE: Liz Kurantowicz writes that Pavia and Levy are paying for tonight’s event.