The Ad Campaign: Supporters Praise Catsimatidis in Ad The mayoral primary is still about two months away, but John A. Catsimatidis, the billionaire grocer who is running as a Republican, has already produced three television advertisements about his candidacy. All of them have been biographical in nature. The latest, a 30-second spot that began being broadcast last week, seeks to highlight his long ties to New York City, using testimonials in which a series of supporters praise him with varying levels of specificity. PRODUCER The Victory Group, which is based in Florida and has previously worked for former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani. THE SCRIPT Former Gov. George E. Pataki: "He's been creating jobs, and now he wants to give something back"; Patricia Clune, a former teacher and principal: "Catsimatidis, he's trying to make every child succeed"; two college students, Kurt Akman and Theo Wells: "Catsimatidis will stop those fare hikes." "It's expensive"; Mary Reilly, former chairwoman of the Staten Island Republican Party: "Love his idea about another World's Fair"; Serphin R. Maltese, a former Republican state senator from Queens: "I think he's great for us and great for New York City"; Joseph Sano of St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters: "Catsimatidis is here every year"; the Rev. Francis Gasparik, a Roman Catholic priest: "Now that says a lot!"; Rudy Washington, a deputy mayor for Mr. Giuliani: "John has given back to our city""; Jimmy Chue, a businessman: "The whole city"; Luis G. Fortuño, a former governor of Puerto Rico: "Because he's real"; Mr. Catsimatidis: "If I can do it, you can, too"; announcer: "John Catsimatidis for mayor." ON SCREEN Mr. Catsimatidis is the first to appear, gesturing and smiling. The testimonials follow, with his supporters looking into the camera as they offer praise, accompanied by a soundtrack of soaring music. At one point, Mr. Catsimatidis is shown as he is about to cut a ceremonial ribbon outside one of his grocery stores; at the end of the spot, he addresses the viewer directly and points his right index finger at the camera. The commercial closes in what has become his trademark style: a semi-transparent American flag waves over a shimmering, sun-splashed view of the Lower Manhattan skyline. ACCURACY Most of the assertions in the spot are prosaic. Mr. Catsimatidis is a real person, as Mr. Fortuño says, and his businesses have created jobs for New Yorkers. But as mayor, Mr. Catsimatidis would not have the unilateral power to stop fare increases. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is governed by a board that has 17 voting members, and only 4 of them are nominated at the recommendation of the mayor. SCORECARD Polls have shown that many Republican voters still have not formed opinions about their party's candidates for mayor. Mr. Catsimatidis's advertisement continues his effort to introduce himself to voters as a committed, patriotic, caring New Yorker - not an aloof billionaire. The specifics about what he would do as mayor will have to wait.