According to JB  <jb@nospammers.net>:

    Perhaps because of California's rather extreme paranoia about
lead?  I've read (here) of one such cable release with a tag hung from
it listing the hazards of lead -- all because lead-tin solder was used
to make the connections *inside* the button and connector, where there
is no access to them.  So -- they may not be importing any into the
entire USA until they get switched over to lead-free solder to comply
with California's regulations.

    Or -- if it uses a different connector from older ones (I think
that it is probably the same connector as the N90s among others), there
may be a backlog of shipments similar to that with the cameras
themselves.

    Enjoy,
        DoN.

I understand your frustration. The reason I took so long to answer your
question is that today I received a cable release for my D2X and I
wanted to inspect it and try it out before responding.

I purchased my D2X last September and have also been unable to find a
Nikon cable release. Someone in my camera club told me to go to Ebay
and I could find one for about $15. Sure enough, I found such an item.
In fact, they come with various length cables. I ordered the 15 meter
cable. After all, its nothing more than a shutter button on an
extension cord and it required no power.

The cable release I received today comes in a black velvet pouch with a
draw-string and restraint. The cable body is black and has a large
black button that when depressed half way, it focused the camera.
Pressing it a little more, the shutter activates. Just like to button
on your D2X. In addition, the button can be pressed all the way down
and pushed forward in its body to lock the shutter open for an extended
time exposures. In the body of the switch housing is a small plug
opening to connect another camera if one wishes to fire multiple
cameras at the same time. The only thing missing is a Nikon logo.

I paid $28.95 that includes postage and handling. Nikon wants $75.00.
It is made in China and can be bought from:

Edigitburger
1410 Fairfax Ln.
Buffalo Grove, Il 60089-1221

The return E-mail address on my Ebay account is: edigiburger
<zhengyang3@gmail.com>
I am sure you can deal wit them direct without going through Ebay.

I hope this helps fill the void.

Gene