Speculation Pataki Will Enter Presidential Race, Announcing In Des Moines

By Lynn Campbell

IowaPolitics.com

Former New York governor George Pataki has become the third candidate confirming his attendance at this Saturday's Polk County Republican Picnic and Road to the White House 2012 Presidential Forum and could announce his entry into the presidential race.

"We just got confirmation that Governor George Pataki is also attending and may have a major announcement," Darrell Kearney, senior finance officer for the Polk County Republicans, told IowaPolitics.com.

Pataki was last in Iowa a month ago. During that visit, he told IowaPolitics.com that he was still considering a run for president and was disappointed that Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels isn’t running. He also said that if he decided to run, he would be in Iowa a lot and make Iowa "an important focus.”

As to when he’d make a decision, Pataki said July 22, “I know it has to be soon.”

Texas U.S. Rep. Ron Paul and Michigan U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter have also confirmed their attendance at Saturday's event, which will be held from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Jalapeño Pete's at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

The Des Moines Register reported today that Texas Gov. Rick Perry will also appear.

Pataki, who served as New York’s governor for three consecutive terms, has spent his two most recent visits to Iowa advocating against the nation's debt.

He's been serving as the honorary chairman of No American Debt, a 501(c)4 nonprofit that seeks to advance the national dialog about America’s debt.

Pataki said Iowa caucus-goers should listen carefully to the presidential candidates because America is at a turning point and the 2012 election isn’t just about one election, but about the future of the country. He said while it’s fine for a candidate to say things, a president must have the ability to design and implement an action plan and the leadership to get results.

“I really think a lot of that turns on this election,” said Pataki, who also flirted with a run for president in 2008. “I just know that I have a passion about this country and the need to change its directions. I’ve had the privilege in New York for 12 years, to have had the ability to lead my state in a different and better direction.”