Republican mayoral hopeful John Catsimatidis has been investing heavy on television and radio ads and campaign literature. A new Marist poll, released Wednesday, showed Mr. Catsimatidis with 21 percent of the Republican vote, up from 8% in April. although he’s still trailing former M.T.A. chairman Joe Lhota, who is at 28 percent, Team Cats is seizing on those numbers to argue that their strategy of high-volume advertising is working, and that they’re picking up the undecided voters.
In a memo written by the campaign’s pollster, and obtained by Azi Paybarah, John McLaughlin writes: “Catsimatidis is moving up rapidly” and “has more than doubled his vote,” while Lhota “has moved only 5 points.”
Full memo below:
TO: Interested Parties
FROM: John McLaughlin
RE: New York City Mayoral Race – Republican Primary Survey Results Date: June 27, 2013John Catsimatidis Rising among Republican Primary Voters
In the January Quinnipiac Poll, Joe Lhota led 23% to John Catsimatidis 9% and 53% were undecided. The rest was scattered to other candidates.In the April Quinnipiac Poll, Lhota had 23%, McDonald 11%, Catsimatidis 8% and 52% were unsure.
Since those earlier surveys, the Catisimatidis campaign has begun its television and radios ads. Comparing this result to the current Marist poll shows that John Catsimatidis is moving up rapidly with his paid media campaign and voter outreach. John Catsimatidis has more than doubled his vote up 13 points to 21% while Lhota has moved only 5 points.
The plurality of Republicans know Lhota, but remain undecided. However, when they learn of John Catsimatidis and his message, these undecided voters choose Catsimatidis at a better than 2 to 1 ratio over Lhota.
It’s very clear that John Catsimatidis has the momentum to win in the primary and needs to accelerate. As John Catsimatidis steps up his campaign organization and
media we expect this momentum to continue.”
A spokesman for Catsimatidis campaign, Rob Ryan told Azi, “Catsimatidis is moving” and “at the pace we’re going, we should be running neck-and-neck or surprising Joe Lhota in the near future.”
Team Lhota argues their internal polls show a different picture. Putting all spin aside, Mr. Lhota is still in the lead and has the backing of Rudy Giuliani, who’s still popular among Republicans. Nonetheless, Mr. Catsimatidis is not sleeping either. So, go draw convulsions!
(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)
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One Response
As a registered Republican, I will be voting for Joe Lhota. From the Republican side Joe is clearly the most competent candidate. He also stands the best chance of beating the Democrat. Like Lord Mike, the inarticulate Catsimatidis, is just another billionare who can’t & won’t understand the struggling hard working tax paying New Yorkers! My wife & older children (registered Democrats) will be voting for Erick Salgado. I hope he wins. If Salgado can somehow manage to make it, I will be voting for him as well.