Former New York Governor George Pataki is set to launch a presidential bid this Thursday. Am I crazy or is everyone, and I mean everyone, coming out of the woodwork to run for the 2016 Republican nomination? It’s in such stark contrast to the Democratic side where the number of official candidates sits a two, with maybe a couple more on the way. At this point, it will be easier to start a list of well-known Republicans who are not running for president in 2016.
Report from the Latin Post:
Former New York Gov. George Pataki will announce his bid for the Republican presidential nomination on Thursday. The New York Republican will be the most recent entry to the ever-growing list of GOP candidates.
The three-term New York governor will announce his presidential bid in Exeter, New Hampshire, reports the New York Post. Rumors had been circulating regarding Pataki’s intended to run, and his announcement late on Monday confirmed his plans.
“It will be a very stiff climb up a very steep mountain, but that hasn’t stopped me in the past,” Pataki told the New York Post, referencing poll data that does not favor the former governor.
However, Pataki’s entry into the race could shift the lineup to the center, even if by a smidgen. Pataki is pro-choice and in favor of gun-control legislature. His policies concern mostly the economy, and he believes most issues should be up to the states.
“I’m a Republican following in the tradition of Teddy Roosevelt who understands that conservatism isn’t just economic policy but it’s also preserving and enhancing the outdoors,” he explained. Pataki has also advocated for environmental protection.
His stance on climate change may even put him at odds with the rest of the political field.
Pataki doesn’t have a chance at the nomination for several reasons. The first and foremost may be his very moderate, some would say liberal views in the midst of the GOP field. When compared to Jeb Bush, perhaps his closest competition ideologically, Pataki is much further to the left, especially on social issues.
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