Does George Pataki Change The Republican Presidential Race For Rand Paul?


George Pataki may not be a candidate with a strong national backing, but he certainly changes the race for at least one Republican presidential hopeful.

According to Bloomberg, George Pataki’s entrance into the Republican primary race will benefit Rand Paul.

That’s because, like many other candidates who’ve already entered the race, Pataki holds a more moderate position than Paul on many issues, according to Bloomberg writer Dave Weigel.

“Paul’s camp is thrilled, and sees Pataki pulling primary votes from the middle lane.”

Weigel notes that Paul’s campaign likes Pataki’s strategy because it focuses on New Hampshire — a state where George Pataki’s strategy could have the greatest early impact on Paul’s campaign, according to a senator from New Hampshire.

In the same Bloomberg article, Sen. Andy Sanborn (R-N.H.) said that George Pataki will make a big difference in the early race for the Republican nomination.

“No question, [Pataki] splits the moderate vote. Three months ago, we talked about the easy path for Jeb, as it appeared he would be the only moderate in the race. Now, not only does Jeb have Christie, Pataki, Kasich to split that demographic, but as you see, Rubio is also moderating. In the end, this, plus the pro-war stance all other candidates have taken has put Rand in a singular space. A great place to be, especially in light of the poll today, showing he is one of the leaders in a match-up with Clinton.”

George Pataki, who was in office from 1995-2006, was the 53rd governor of New York. Pataki, who announced Thursday his intention to run for the Republican bid, served three terms in a Democratic New York.

During his time in office, George Pataki supported abortion rights and anti-discrimination legislation for gay rights — both positions that veer left from traditional Republican positions. Those positions also differ from the positions held by Rand Paul.

As reported by the Inquisitr, Pataki also said that, if elected to office in 2016, he would repeal the Affordable Care Act, abolish the Common Core educational standards, and pass a bill banning Congress members from ever becoming lobbyists.

George Pataki joins an already crowded GOP field, which includes Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Ben Carson, Rand Paul, Carly Fiorina, Mike Huckabee, Lindsey Graham, and Rick Santorum. Jeb Bush and Scott Walker are also expected to declare their intentions to run for the nomination.

Do you think George Pataki’s announcement will change the race for Paul? Why or why not?

[Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images]

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