Thomas Golisano, former New York governor candidate, still staying involved with politics

Thomas Golisano- who spent $93 million of his own money on three independent bids for governor here, then departedN.Y.forFloridain protest of formerGov. David Paterson's millionaire tax - hasn't given up on politics entirely. We hear the reclusive billionaire, who sold theBuffalo Sabreshockey team for a reported $189 million Monday, is quietly bankrolling efforts to build support for the National Popular Vote Bill.

If passed, the bill would guarantee a majority of the Electoral College to the presidential candidate who receives the most popular votes in the election. (In 2000,Al Gorewon the popular vote, butGeorge W. Bushended up with the most electoral votes - and the presidency.) When we called Golisano, he referred us to the website nationalpopularvote.com, but declined to discuss his role in the effort. According to the site, the bill's been enacted by states possessing 73 electoral votes - 27% of the 270 needed to activate it.

Shaping up to be one hell of a party

Karole Armitageand her partner, artistDavid Salle, don't throw dull benefits. Wednesday night, the Armitage Gone! Gala, which benefits her dance company, will entertain an audience of"art stars, drag queens and theoretical physicists,"as the press release puts it. They'll convene for a three-stage performance created by Armitage and combining ballet, rock 'n' roll and standup comedy. Organizers also will auction off artwork created by more than 200 artists using the"exquisite corpse"relay method of collaboration.Anne Bass,Peter BrantandStephanie Seymour, andFran Lebowitzare expected to attend. 

How about Atkins?
 
Fat Joeappears to be trying the South Beached Whale Diet. The robust rapper was overheard discussing his weight-loss plans with a table of 10 at STK in theMeatpacking DistrictSunday night. We're not sure how well it's going though, considering the group shared"Lil Big Mac"sliders, truffle fries, steaks and short ribs. They did skip dessert.
 
One side of the camera

Bill Cunninghamskipped his own premiere. Monday night, the documentary"Bill Cunningham New York,"debuted at aCalvin Klein-hosted screening at theCrosby Street Hotel, but theNew York Timesstyle photographer was not in the house because, a source tells us, he abhors"the limelight."Doc director Richard Press also told the audience the 81-year-old shutterbug has no plans to see it. Really?

All is not well in RHONY world
 
Real Housewives of New York, start yer bitching. A source close to the sirens tells us there's discord brewing over"RHONY"premiere parties thatRamona Singer,Sonja MorganandJill Zarinare each planning. The source says Singer was"not about to share the attention"with the other ladies. Zarin's and Morgan's fetes are planned for Feb. 15, the day the series returns. They will be held at, respectively, theChelsea Hoteland RDV. So Singer has scheduled hers for Feb. 8 at Covet. Take that!

Contact Gatecrasher:
Frank DiGiacomo:fdgiacomo@nydailynews.com
Carson Griffith:cgriffith@nydailynews.com
Molly Fischer:mfischer@nydailynews.com

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