FUNDRAISER FOR ASSEMBLY REPUBLICANS:
John Catsimatidis, who's expected to seek the Republican nomination for mayor of New York City in 2009, held a fundraiser recently for the Republican Assembly Campaign Committee in Manhattan.

Pictured from left to right is Queens GOP Exec Vice Chair Vince Tabone, Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco, Margo Catsimatidis and John Catsimatidis.

Catsimatidis, chairman of the Red Apple Group and the Gristedes supermarket chain, extended a helping hand to Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco to raise funds to ensure that the GOP minority has the resources to conduct re-election campaigns so they can keep fighting for middle-class tax cuts, to create jobs, and especially to be advocates of the public.

Catsimatidis also feels the Republican lawmakers have been effective in highlighting the need for homeowners' tax relief and assistance for small businesses.

Among the guests were Queens Republican Party Chairman Phil Ragusa, Executive Vice Chairman Vince Tabone and GOP leaders from other boroughs.