George Pataki: Candidate Explainer

The “Need To Know” on George Pataki

Best known for his three term stint as the Governor of New York, George Pataki has a conservative political background as a State Senator, State Assemblyman, and Mayor of Peekskill. Currently serving on Counsel at Chadbourne and Parke LLC while running his own business, Pataki is reentering politics as a Republican nominee hopeful for the 2016 Presidential election.

Pataki’s Highlights Reel

Pataki’s service to his home state of New York has led him through the ranks of government positions including 12 years as the state’s governor. Serving as Governor during the attacks of September 11th, Pataki is relying on his experience getting his state through such an economic and emotional hardship as one of his qualifications. Pataki is also running as an anti-establishment candidate, believing that the citizens of America should take back our government and change the culture of politics in Washington , D.C. Despite this stance, Pataki is not endorsed by the Tea Party or other ultra-conservative groups, and has yet to receive any major endorsements or donations.

Why People Like Him

Pataki’s stated goals for his campaign are clear: defeating Islamic terrorists, shrinking government, and growing the economy, three things that all sound pretty good to the American public right about now. Additionally, his dedication to reclaiming government for the people has led him to name his PAC supporting his campaign “We the People Not Washington”. A final factor that is sure to be popular during this time of extreme political gridlock is Pataki’s ability to reach across the aisle to pass reform. As the first Republican Governor New York had seen in over twenty years, Pataki proved successful in bringing people together and providing a sense of unity for both Republicans and Democrats alike. Appearing as a moderate Republican on social issues, the younger generation may find many of his views on everything from his support of Caitlyn Jenner to his support of same sex marriage a plus.

Why People Are Saying “No Thank You”

Pataki is seen as a Republican underdog in the long list of Republican Presidential hopefuls, partly because he is unknown on the national level. Some of Pataki’s comments have revealed that he seeks to take a hawkish position on foreign policy, setting him apart from many of his colleagues. This position includes his support of the deployment of troops back to Iraq in order to fight Islamic extremists, which is not likely to go over well with the majority of the American population who is thought the war in Iraq was coming to a close. Additionally, gaining the Republican nomination may be easier said than done for Pataki, as his stance on social issues may put him at odds with the larger Republican party.

Where He Stands On The Issues