Who says Rhode Island’s state buildings don’t have that golden glow?

While Political Scene was trolling the hallway outside Supreme Court Chief Justice Frank J. Williams’ office, in the Licht Judicial Complex, last week, something sparkly caught our eye.

A contractor perched atop elevated scaffolding was installing 23-carat gold leaf on the detailed ceiling trim.

The work appeared part of a minor renovation in the marble lobby.

The costly gold is imported from Italy, according to the worker. Its ornate packaging names the company: Giusto Manetti Firenze Goldbeaters, a Florence importer.

Judiciary spokesman Craig N. Berke has said he will look into the cost of the renovation. We’ll update those details as soon as we get them.

Carcieri slated for Fox interview with Cavuto

As Rhode Island Democrats slowly come down from their trip to the mile-high city last week, Republicans including Governor Carcieri are heading out to Minnesota for their own moment in the spotlight.

The governor leaves for the Twin Cities tomorrow and is already scheduled for at least one media appearance. On Wednesday, Carcieri will appear live on Fox News from the convention, as a guest of host Neil Cavuto.

Expected topics include the convention, the governor’s take on “the impact of federal initiatives,” and his views on Republican Sen. John McCain’s choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as a presidential running mate, according to a news release.

The interview is slated to air on Your World with Neil Cavuto on Wednesday during the 4 p.m. hour.

Word has it Carcieri may have other media appearances in the works. Stay tuned.

State GOP announces new quarters, new director

And while we’re on the topic of Republicans, the Rhode Island state party is moving up, or at least moving across town.

The GOP has packed up its headquarters in the Apponaug section of Warwick and moved into a more spacious location, in the Airport Plaza on Post Road.

The new digs will allow the party “to offer more services to candidates,” said Marc Pappas, executive director of the Republican State Central Committee. “It has a phone bank area, conference rooms and a computer area. We’ve just got a lot more space here.”

Pappas is the party’s other big news.

The former political consultant joined the GOP’s payroll three weeks ago, taking over for Donna Perry, who stepped down earlier this summer to devote time to her Senate run in District 13 (Newport, Jamestown), where she will challenge Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Paiva Weed.

Pappas told reporters that he was hired through the November elections. No decisions have been made about what to do with the position after that.

Farewell bash set for veteran Senate adviser

In other “party” news, Political Scene has received an invitation for a retirement party celebrating longtime Senate Fiscal Adviser Russell C. Dannecker.

“After 28 years of hard work and dedication, it’s time to take a permanent vacation,” reads the ornate invitation, which came with an RSVP card and return envelope. “So please join us in wishing him the very best, as he heads home to Foster for a well-deserved rest.”

News of Dannecker’s retirement party does not come as a shock. He publicly announced his decision to leave state service in a moving speech from the Senate rostrum in the final days of the previous session.

The party is scheduled for Oct. 7 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, in Cranston. The $50 ticket includes dinner, music and a gift, according to the invitation.

cneedham@projo.com