Former three term Republican Gov. George Pataki today today endorsed supermarket mogul John Catsimatidis for mayor.
“John Catsimatidis has the skills, the vision and the courage needed to lead New York City. He’ll make a great mayor and that’s why I am endorsing him today,” Pataki said.
Pataki cited the Greek immigrant’s rags-to-riches story as reason for backing him.
“John’s life story is the embodiment of the American dream; it has given him the common sense and practical business experience needed to run a city as complex as New York. From his humble upbringing, John has the compassion to relate to those New Yorkers in need and his record of creating tens of thousands of jobs will be put to use in enabling businesses large and small to add jobs throughout the five boroughs.”
“Most importantly,” Pataki said, “John Catsimatidis isn’t a career politician; he’ll keep New York City on track and moving forward and he’ll fight for small businesses, neighborhoods and New York’s struggling middle class.”
Catsimatidis was thrilled with Pataki’s support.
Former Republican Mayor Rudy Giuliani is backing his chief GOP primary rival, Joe Lhota.
“George Pataki understands what leadership is all about. During his 12 years as Governor he was a consensus builder who brought together diverse groups for the common good. He understood the concerns of business leaders and the needs of working families. He got it, that ‘the root cause of crime is the criminal’ and he knew that every child deserves good healthcare and a good education,” Catsimatidis said.
“It’s an honor to have his support and in the weeks and months ahead I hope Governor Pataki will join me on the streets as we bring our campaign to every neighborhood in the city.”
Meanwhile, Catsimatidis said he spent roughly $300,000 of his own money to promote his candidacy for mayor this year.
The GOP candidate said the spending covered radio ads and a campaign of “under ten” people.
He said he has about $700,000 in cash on hand.
Catsimatidis put $1 million from his own wallet into his campaign kitty.
“When that figure goes down,” he said, “I’ll put in another $1 million.
Former MTA chairman Joe Lhota, a GOP primary rival, reported raising $730,000 from donors for his mayoral bid since announcing his candidacy in January.