Joe Lhota told Republican leaders yesterday that he’s running for mayor.
The former MTA boss made his case to capture City Hall clear during a whirlwind of meetings.
“Joe Lhota is running. He’s got the fire in the belly,” said Guy Molinari, the former Staten Island borough president and congressman, who sat down with Lhota.
Lhota officially stepped down as MTA chairman Jan. 1. Because of his government job, he had refrained from talking to party leaders about his intentions — but now he’s free to do so.
Staten Island GOP chairman Bob Scamardella came away impressed.
“Mr. Lhota made an excellent case that he would be an effective mayor,” Scamardella said.
“I asked if he has decided to run,” said Staten Island GOP Chair Bob Scamardella.
“Mr. Lhota told me, ‘I’m going through the decision-making process now. But I wouldn’t have the left the MTA if I did not think I was going to be a candidate for mayor,’ ” Scamardella said.
Lhota likely faces a primary fight. Grocery mogul John Catsimatidis, Doe Fund founder George MacDonald, publisher Tom Allon and former Bronx Democratic Borough President Adolfo Carrion also are vying for the GOP nod.
Lhota helped run the city as former Mayor Rudy Giuilani’s top deputy. He lacks the name recognition of Giuliani, who was a popular federal prosecutor when he first ran for mayor, or the financial resources of billionaire Mayor Bloomberg, who self-financed his successful campaigns.
The GOP leaders also discussed challenges of a Republican running for office in a city that has become even more favorable to Democrats.
For example, President Obama carried Staten Island — long considered GOP friendly turf — by 3,000 votes over Mitt Romney last year.
“It’s a tough, tough road. But Joe can do it,” Molinari said of Lhota’s challenge of winning in a heavily Democratic city.