9 things to know about George Pataki

Michael Beckel
Updated

What do Franklin Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, Grover Cleveland, Martin Van Buren and George Pataki all have in common? All men are former New York governors. And if Pataki can convince voters that he’s fit for the White House, all will have also served as president of the United States.

Related: Financial facts about George Pataki (1)

Pataki will formally announce his presidential run today. A Republican who served three terms as New York’s top executive, he first won that office by defeating Democratic incumbent Mario Cuomo during the famed “Republican Revolution” of 1994. An ardent supporter of fighting Islamic terrorists abroad, Pataki led New York’s government during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Related: Financial facts about George Pataki (2)

In a crowded GOP presidential field, Pataki also stands out for his environmental stances. In 2005, BusinessWeek praised Pataki for his efforts as governor “to cut gases that cause global warming.”

Related: Financial facts about George Pataki (3)

As president, Pataki says he would reduce the size of government and simplify the tax code. He says he would also institute term limits for Congress and ban former members of Congress from lobbying.

Related: More information about presidential candidates

Pataki also considered presidential bids in 2008 and 2012 but didn’t run. Here’s more about the man who hopes that 2016 will finally be his year:

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Copyright 2014 The Center for Public Integrity. This story was published by The Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit, nonpartisan investigative news organization in Washington, D.C.