Here’s news that is hardly unexpected: Supermarket mogul John Catsimatidis is finally calling off his exploration of a possible run for mayor this fall.

“We will be closing down the account within the next couple of days,” confirmed Catsimatidis’ political advisor Rob Ryan.

“John Catsimatidis loves New York City and New York State and he plans to stay active in politics. He firmly believes that our state needs a viable two-party system.”

That seems to indicate that Catsimatidis might be interested in playing a role in the 2010 re-match in the state Senate. Another clue: Ryan, a former Pataki administration official, said he will continue to work for Catsimatidis, along with other (yet unnamed) clients.

In the past, Catsimatidis has given money to both Democratic and Republican Senate candidates.

Last year, he contributed to some GOP state legislative candidates outside the city, which sparked short-lived speculation that he might be working on a Plan B in case the whole mayoral thing didn’t work out.

(Elizabeth Benjamin – NYDN)