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State Republicans are planning to hold a big fundraiser at the offices of a major lobbying fim in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Supporters are asked to give at least $1,000 to the state Republican Party's federal account to attend the event at the BGR Group's offices in D.C. The cost is $2,500 to sponsor and $5,000 to host the fundraiser.

Those featured at the event will be: Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald of Juneau; Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald of Horicon; Rep. Scott Suder of Abbotsford; Sen. Glenn Grothman of West Bend; and Joint Finance Committee co-chairmen, Sen. Alberta Darling of River Hills and Rep. Robin Vos of Burlington.

All five Republican congressmen and U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson are listed as invited guests.

Mark Jefferson, executive director of the state party, said his group is not trying to capitalize on the current controversy in Madison. He said this is an annual event, adding:

"It was scheduled well before the budget was introduced, and while we'll be doing all we can on various fronts to try to counter some fo the millions that national union bosses and Moveon.org are now pumping into the state to influence Wisconsin elections, this particular event doesn't really play into it much."

Bob Wood, former chief of staff and campaign manager for then-Gov. Tommy Thompson, is president of government affairs for BGR, formerly called Barbour Griffith Rogers.

One Democratic insider, who asked not to be named because he works with Republcians, noted the possible attendance of Johnson and U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble, political newcomers who were invited to the event.

"Outsiders no more!" exclaimed the Democrat.

UPDATE: A spokesman for U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy says his office never received an invite and that he won't be attending.