Two GOP House members are hosting a meet-and-greet later this month for NY-23 contender Doug Hoffman – a boost that comes as his primary opponent, Matt Doheny, has locked up local Republican support in the district.

Rep. Mike Pence, House Republican Conference chair; and Rep. Tom Cole, who sits on the influential Appropriations Committee; are headlining the June 16 event for Hoffman at the Capital Hill Club in Washington.

This is a much-needed sign of continued national support for Hoffman, whose low-profile campaign approach and anemic fundraising numbers have caused Republicans in the district to question whether he really has the fire in the belly this time around.

To that end, Doheny’s campaign announced he has landed the support of the Hamilton County GOP, giving him a clean sweep of all nine Republican committees in the 23rd.

The others: Clinton, Essex, Fulton, Jefferson, Oneida, Oswego, Madison, St. Lawrence.

UPDATE: There are 11 (fixed) counties in NY-23 – Franklin and Lewis are the other two. I believe Doheny has swept the counties that are planning on weighing in prior to the September primary.

Hoffman and his supporters have tried to undercut Doheny’s conservative credentials, linking him whenever possible to Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, the moderate Republican pushed out of last year’s special election by Hoffman and his Tea Party/Club for Growth backers.

So far, the Club for Growth has stayed out of the NY-23 fight, in which Democratic Rep. Bill Owens is fighting to retain the seat he won last fall. But state Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long – a key ally in the race – has remained loyal to Hoffman.

UPDATED: Hoffman spokesman Rob Ryan sent the following comment:

“Matt Doheny has the support of the same cast of characters who brought us Dede Scozzafva and Steve Levy. That’s why Doug Hoffman will defeat him.”

Hoffman MG

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