Pataki Decides to Forgo a 4th Term, Confidants Say

[cal04]

Gov. George E. Pataki told a group of supporters and aides Tuesday night that he would not seek a fourth term as governor after abruptly summoning them to the governor's mansion, according to two people who attended the meeting.

Mr. Pataki's announcement came as polls showed him trailing Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, the Democrat who hopes to succeed him as governor. But it sets the stage for Mr. Pataki to explore a possible run for president in 2008.

Mr. Pataki's decision marks the beginning of the end of his three-term reign, which began when he toppled his predecessor, Mario M. Cuomo, in an upset victory. Mr. Pataki, a Republican, took office nearly 11 years ago pledging to remake a state government that had been run by Democrats for an entire generation.

His announcement ends months of speculation about his political future in New York, but leaves the state's Republican Party pressed to find a candidate to run to replace him. Republicans have mentioned Secretary of State Randy A. Daniels and Tom Golisano, a Rochester billionaire who spent millions of dollars attacking Mr. Pataki when he ran for governor in 2002 as an Independent, among others, as possible candidates.
:woohoo:

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/27/nyregion/metrocampaigns/27pataki.final.html?hp&ex=1122523200&en=d531da000bba67c3&ei=5094&partner=homepage

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/state/ny-stpata0727,0,6470819.story?coll=ny-top-headlines

[Renew Deal]

1. Pataki is a go nowhere loser.

There is no room for a guy like him in today's republican party and besides that, he sucks as a governor.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

2. Excellent.

Here comes Eliot Spitzer. :)

[HockeyMom]

3. He's testing the waters for a National run

Since he hasn't signed that OTC Morning After Pill, it became obvious. He needs to court the religious right and refusing to sign that bill would be a first step, just look at Hillary lately.

The only Republican who would even stand a chance of beating Elliot Spitzer might be Rudy, and even that would be close. Anyone else, forget it.

[FourStarDemocrat]

4. Good, I want Elliot Spitzer as our next governor..

Although I will miss Spitzer greatly as our Attorney General. He's done an outstanding job.

[dusty64]

5. Me too!

Lets hope the vote can be held before the vapor vote machines are installed. After they are, maybe we will FINALLY have a Democrat who will be willing to look into these abominations!

[djg21]

20. Rumor has it that Weld may run on the Repug side,

That's right. The same William Weld who was the Republican Governor of Massachussets before resigning to become ambassador to mexico, and then leaving public life and moving to NYC. What is this crap? Not that I mind Hillary, who is doing a great job as our Senator, and who should remain a Senator where she can remain effective, but there is so much political talent in NY, whyc can we grow our own politicians.

Moreover, you have Hil from Arkansa, Romney, the current Governor of Mass is fro Utah. What gives with the carpet bagging?

[FourStarDemocrat]

22. Yeah, I heard that rumor about Weld..

I doubt if New Yorkers will go for him at all. Hilary was one thing, most NY'rs love Bill Clinton and liked and trusted Hilary, so she did not have a problem getting voted in here as Senator, but I doubt if most New Yorkers, who are cynical as it is, will see Weld as anything more than an ambitious, power-hungry politician who wants to take over the governorship of another state.

[wicket]

6. kick

:kick:

[davidinalameda]

7. Pataki Tells Backers He Won't Run in 2006

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2005/07/27/politics/p081736D20.DTL

Republican Gov. George Pataki, who is weighing a possible 2008 bid for the White House, has told a group of supporters that he won't seek a fourth term next year, according to close associates of the governor.


Pataki told more than two dozen current and former aides and advisers about his decision at a dinner Tuesday night, according to the associates, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the governor had not yet made a formal announcement.


At the dinner, he told the crowd "there are other journeys ahead," but he did not explain exactly what he meant.

[Hawkeye-X]

8. Good. Spitzer's a lock then.

And he'll be busy getting his army of AG's preparing to indict every single Repuke that has fleeced New York, I hope.

[Robbins]

9. Truth

He Is not running because Spitzer would beat him badly,and he wants to run for President In 2008 although he won't get the nomination.
Good news Is this Increases the chances of Governor Spitzer for New York.

[pseudostar]

10. on behalf of all the NY Dems

TOUCHDOWN,
W00t,
and about fucking time!

[lady lib]

11. New York Gov. Pataki paves way for White House bid

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Republican Gov. George Pataki on Wednesday said he would not seek a fourth term, clearing the way for an expected run for the White House.

-snip-

In his speech, Pataki made no specific mention of his plans after his term ends in 2007, but made frequent reference to the challenges faced by the state following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks when hijacked planes destroyed the World Trade Center's twin towers, killing nearly 3,000 people.

-snip-

Recent polls have shown that Pataki, a moderate Republican in a largely Democratic state, would lose a fourth term bid to New York's Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, a Democrat.

-snip-

But observers note Pataki's more liberal views on such issues as the environment and abortion rights may make him unpopular with the conservative wing of the party.

If Pataki decides to make a run for the White House he could face Rudolph Giuliani, New York's mayor on Sept. 11, who has also been widely mentioned as a Republican presidential candidate.

-more-

LINK
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=politicsNews&storyID=2005-07-27T204539Z_01_N27695438_RTRIDST_0_POLITICS-NEWYORK-DC.XML

[eleny]

12. Santorum, Pataki - oh please, oh please - Yesssssss!

[HockeyMom]

14. Pataki will have to have a BORN AGAIN

CONVERSION. Praise, Jesus.

Will they BELIEVE HIM? Wanna buy a Bridge?

[NNguyenMD]

13. Eliot Spitzer has just won the NY Governor's race

two terms doing that and he'll be our next President.

Pataki has no chance of winning his home state if by the luck of the devil he's able to clinch the GOP nomination.

[HockeyMom]

15. Exactly

He cannot win his own state as Governor, but he will get the GOP nomination? ROFL

[lady lib]

18. Governor Spitzer...

I like the sound of that! :)

[Mz Pip]

16. Pataki

isn't batshitinsane enough to win the nomination. He can run but he can hide his pro-choice stand.

The GOP will pick another Southerner who is loved by the RW.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[ClintonTyree]

17. Pataki the putz...........

he has ZERO chance of getting the nomination for President and he knows that he stands ZERO chance against Spitzer for New York State Governor.

His political career is OVER. I've ALWAYS disliked the S.O.B. and can't wait until Eliot Spitzer kicks his lame ass out of office. No more Pa-ka-ki in New York, I'm deliriously happy. :)

[Cha]

19. What makes his puny

brain think he can be pres? Oh, I get it. Because..bush is supposedly pres(sic)..he thinks anyone can do it?

No, rove and the chimp were a perfect storm for a two bit hussler to rise to defile the nation's highest office.

[Liberalynn]

21. NY State

will be so much better off with out him. I celebrated when I heard the news. I am so glad he will be leaving our state house.

As for Mr. Potato Head in the White House, ah no thaks, we don't need another dumb George!