NEW YORK: State GOP Chair Smashes $70K Vase At Catholic Art Event

New York GOP chairman Sen. Ed Cox accidentally smashed a $70K antique vase yesterday at an event to raise money to preserve the artwork at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan hosted the breakfast for New York notables including Home Depot billionaire Ken Langone and Blackstone’s John Studzinski in the bank’s swanky, art-filled corporate offices at One Bryant Park on Sixth Avenue. The breakfast was organized to bring together New York business leaders with Cardinal Dolan to discuss restoring the landmarked Fifth Avenue cathedral’s treasure trove of art and artifacts. But, a witness reports, “the peace was shattered when Ed Cox accidentally knocked over a 4-foot-tall antique vase in the center of the room. It fell to the floor and shattered with a terrible, piercing, sound which stopped the entire room.” The source added, “Ed nervously tried to edge away from the wreckage while the event staff looked mortified. One exclaimed, ‘Oh my God, that was a $70,000 vase!’ ”

Cox is married to Tricia Nixon, daughter of the late former president. He will not be asked to pay for the vase. (Tipped by JMG reader Dean)