Republican presidential candidates Ben Carson, Donald Trump and Sen. Ted...

Republican presidential candidates Ben Carson, Donald Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) stand on stage during the CNN Republican presidential debate in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015. Credit: Getty Images / Justin Sullivan

Hoping New York will still be in play, the Long Island Association has invited Republican presidential candidates to speak at its spring luncheon – set for just eight days before the state’s April 19 primary.

“For the first time in many years, New York is likely to play an important role in selecting the GOP’s presidential nominee,” Kevin Law, LIA’s CEO, wrote in a letter to the candidates. He noted the forum will be a “valuable opportunity to present your case to the Long Island business community.”

The LIA previously has hosted former Presidents George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as the GOP’s 2012 candidate, Mitt Romney.

The luncheon will be held April 11 at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.

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