Tri-state turf war between 'Real Housewives' ladies

Tri-state turf war between 'Real Housewives' ladies Friday, June 5th 2009, 4:00 AM

'The Real Housewives of New Jersey' find themselves in a turf war.

The “Real Housewives of New Jersey” are hitting too close to home when it comes to their New York counterparts. During Wednesday night’s Gracie Awards — a ceremony meant to honor and empower women — the Housewives of NYC had their claws out. “I really haven’t watched, but I heard it’s pretty crazy. I heard it’s pretty New Jersey,” Countess LuAnn de Lesseps said disdainfully. Added Alex McCord, “We actually met four or five of them. We were at the same party and they knew who we were, but we didn’t know who they were.” “We do not hang out,” emphasized Jill Zarin. The odd woman out was newcomer Kelly Bensimon. “I haven’t met them, but I’d love to!” she told us. “I wish they would do a crossover because I love these other women so much, and I’d much rather hang out with them.” Said an insider, “The NYC women are totally different from the Jersey girls in terms of class. They hate being compared to women whose idea of a good night out is going to a cheesy club. It’s such a stereotype.” However, the cast members did express their excitement at having a new wave of like-minded ladies when the D.C. version of the show makes its debut. “I’m very excited to see who is cast,” said Zarin. “I hope it’s women who are intelligent, women who work, who are good role models, who are ambitious and driven. I don’t want to see a bunch of trashy women.” De Lesseps had an idea for one very special guest star on the D.C. show. “I think Mrs. Obama should make an appearance,” she said. “She is the epitome of class, and I think even on a show like ‘The Housewives of Washington,’ she could pull it off.” And while the countess agrees that Washington is preferable to the Jerz, don’t expect her to be moving to D.C. anytime soon. We hear de Lesseps is moving out of her townhouse but will remain in the Big Apple.