Supermarket mogul John Catsimatidis has landed a big endorsement in his run for mayor: former Gov. George Pataki.
A source close to the three-term governor told The Post that Pataki could announce his support of his fellow Republican as soon as this week.
“It’s expected soon,” the Pataki insider said.
It’s the Catsimatidis campaign’s biggest catch yet and could help offset the all-out support former Mayor Rudy Giuliani is giving GOP front-runner Joe Lhota, the ex-MTA chairman.
Giuliani remains popular among city Republicans and is intimately involved in advising Lhota, who was his deputy mayor, on policy and political strategy as well as helping with fund raising.
Pataki is also well regarded among the GOP faithful, although it’s unclear how involved he will be in the Catsimatidis campaign.
Giuliani yesterday sent out his second e-mail blitz in two days seeking donations for Lhota’s campaign before today’s deadline for reporting contributions.
Billionaire Catsimatidis is bankrolling his own campaign.