         if (!itemSkin && item is GraphicElement)
         {
             var graphicItem:GraphicElement = GraphicElement(item);
+            graphicItem.elementHost = this;
                             
             if (!graphicItem.displayObject)
                 graphicItem.displayObject = graphicItem.createDisplayObject();

    {
        super.commitProperties();
        
        if (dataProviderChanged)
        {
            dataProviderChanged = false;
            initializeDataProvider();
            
            // maskChanged = true; TODO (rfrishbe): need this maskChanged?
        }
        
        if (itemRendererChanged)
        {
            itemRendererChanged = false;
            initializeDataProvider();
        }

        // Check whether we manage the elements, or are they managed by an ItemRenderer

        if (item is GraphicElement) 
        {
            var graphicItem:GraphicElement = GraphicElement(item);
        
            // If a styleable GraphicElement is being added,
            // build its protochain for use by getStyle().
