Did Queens Senator, Serphin Maltese Sell His Endorsement of Catsimatidis?

Republican mayoral hopeful John Catsimatidis was endorsed Tuesday afternoon by former State Senator Serphin R. Maltese of Queens. Maltese, who also served as Queens County Republican Party Chairman, called Catsimatidis “the only candidate, Republican or Democrat who has the hands on experience needed to run a city like New York.”

“He gained that experience as a self-made businessman who has built companies from the ground up; balancing budgets, making payrolls and creating tens of thousands of good paying jobs,” said Maltese.

Some Queens Republicans, quoted in the Times Ledger, questioned the validity of the endorsement, since Maltese is already volunteering on Catsimatidis’ campaign and the billionaire businessman will be signing checks for Maltese in a matter of days. “The best endorsements are from those who believe in a candidate rather than the promise of a payday,” said one Queens GOP insider. 

Catismatidis’ campaign contends Maltese is not currently on board with the team, but confirmed that the former Senator will be hired as a part-time consultant beginning April 1. “He was planning on endorsing a long time ago and has known John for a number of years,” said Rob Ryan, senior adviser of the campaign. “He’s been a longtime supporter.”