SOPRANOS - GANDOLFINI PULLS OUT OF REPUBLICAN FUNDRAISER

SOPRANOS star JAMES GANDOLFINI has been forced to pull out of an upcoming appearance at a party fundraiser for U.S. presidential candidate SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN, citing a "scheduling conflict" for the cancellation. The Emmy Award-winning actor was expected to be the special guest at Republican MCCain's New York event on 30 October (07) - but Gandolfini insists his decision had nothing to do with his own political affiliations. A spokesperson for Gandolfini tells PageSix, "At this time, Mr. Gandolfini is not committed to any one candidate. James respects Senator MCCain for his (army) service and his commitment to our country. However, due to scheduling conflicts, he cannot attend the event."