A move is underway to persuade former New York Gov. George Pataki to run again.
The website, BringBackPataki.com, is asking New Yorkers to sign a petition in support of an effort to draft Republican Pataki, who served three terms as governor from 1995-2006.
"New York deserves proven leadership," the site says. "Sign the petition to bring Pataki back."
The website adds: "Since former Gov. George Pataki left office in 2006, New York state has fallen into the hands of the corrupt Democratic machine once again.
"A farm boy from Peekskill, N.Y., Gov. Pataki built a New York with stronger standards for its leaders, resulting in a healthier, safer and more successful New York state. Unite behind the fight to save our state, and join us to Bring Back Pataki. He has saved our state before, let's elect him to do it again. Our best days are ahead New York state!"
The New York Post said the effort to draft Pataki, 76, is being pushed by Rob Cole, his former political director.
"We have to find someone who can win in November," Cole said. "We certainly can’t win with Lee Zeldin."
Rep. Zeldin, R-N.Y., is expected to be nominated at the state Republican Party convention next week, the Post said.
The newspaper noted that Pataki dismissed any efforts to persuade him to run — at least for now.
"It is nice to hear people who think I was a good governor," he told the Post.
Pataki said there are good candidates already running for the office, including Zeldin, former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and Andrew Giuliani.
Meanwhile, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., who was accused of sexually harassing 11 women while in office, told Bloomberg that he feels that he has been "vindicated" and would not rule out a comeback bid.
Jeffrey Rodack ✉
Jeffrey Rodack, who has nearly a half century in news as a senior editor and city editor for national and local publications, has covered politics for Newsmax for nearly seven years.
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