The line of march for the Columbus Day parade up Fifth Avenue this Friday appears to be the reverse of where New York City's mayoral candidates stand with Italian-American voters.

If there's anything at all ethnic about Italian-American voters," he says, "it may be that Italians believe strongly in loyalty.

On a basic level, the ad is likely to appeal most to Italian-American voters, a swing group that may feel ethnic affinity with Mr. Cuomo but is far from universally supportive of his policies.

Seeking to stoke resentment among Italian-American voters, Mr. D'Amato said yesterday, "Bob Abrams would make a good start by apologizing to Geraldine Ferraro for his conduct."

Imagine the outcry if Gov. Mario Cuomo of New York promised Italian-American voters that they would benefit from his election because he is of Italian descent.

Italian-American voters, the state's single largest ethnic voting bloc, went 7 to 3 for Mr. D'Amato.

And this antagonized Italian-American voters.

Mr. Corzine's handlers also limited his public exposure after he made a joke that offended some Italian-American voters and after gaffes regarding his charitable contributions and record as a voter.

But as an Italian-American he is likely to do well with Italian-American voters, who are the largest single ethnic group in New York State.

Mr. Dinkins needs shoring up most, various polls show, among Irish- and Italian-American Catholic voters.