John Catsimatidis lost a supporter in his bid for mayor. Queens City Council candidate Dennis Saffran (R-C-Reform, 19th District) today announced he is flipping his support from Mr. Catsimatidis to Joe Lhota in the Republican primary. Mr. Lhota also netted the endorsement of City Council candidate Scherie Murray (R, 31st District).

Mr. Saffran, the endorsed candidate of the Queens County Republican Party Committee, had initially supported the county organization’s candidate, John Catsimatidis, but stated: “As this campaign has progressed, it has become abundantly clear that Joe Lhota is the superior candidate and will be the superior Mayor. Only Joe, who worked side-by-side with Rudy Giuliani in turning New York City around, has the experience necessary to lead the city.”

He continued, “Last week’s City Council vote crippling the Stop, Question & Frisk program and handcuffing the NYPD makes it more crucial than ever that the Republican Party nominate a Mayoral candidate who can win, so that we can preserve the progress of the last twenty years and keep New York from going back to the Dinkins Era. Voters in Northeast Queens will play a big role in deciding who our party nominates for Mayor and I urge Republicans in my district and throughout the City to vote for Joe Lhota on September 10th.”

“It’s time for new leadership and new solutions,” said Scherie Murray, candidate for City Council District 31. “Joe Lhota is undoubtedly the most qualified candidate to lead New York City forward. Joe has a plan that will deliver needed relief to hardworking Queens families and that’s why I support him for Mayor.”

“I’m honored to have the support of Dennis Saffran and Scherie Murray in my campaign,” said Mr. Lhota. “As mayor, I will need partners in the City Council to ensure that the right policies of reducing crime, responsibly managing our budget, and growing the economy are a top priority. I look forward to working with them in City Hall.”

(Joe Lhota Campaign Press Release)