February 4, 2008
Posted: February 4th, 2008 02:17 PM ET
Pataki endorsed McCain Monday.
Pataki endorsed McCain Monday.

NEW YORK (CNN) – Former New York Gov. George Pataki – who once led the fight to keep John McCain off the presidential primary ballot in the state – endorsed the Arizona senator’s White House bid Monday in New York City.

The former governor had largely faded from political life since abandoning plans for a presidential run of his own last year.

In 2000, Pataki – one of President Bush’s chief New York supporters – said that McCain had not met the state’s stiff ballot access requirements, and that they could not be waived. After protracted legal discussions between attorneys for the Arizona senator and the state party, he ultimately abandoned that position in time for McCain to appear on the ballot.

–CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand

Filed under: John McCain


Thomas Chandy   February 5th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

American Independent is not independent.

I am a registered independent, and I was unable to vote for Obama my number one choice. I am very upset because I see the importance of this election for the future of the country.

Dale   February 5th, 2008 11:20 am ET

he backs him because he either wants a favor if John becomes prez or because he is getting in line with the CFR mandate.

Stephen,Wilmington,NC   February 4th, 2008 10:30 pm ET

Political game of chess, they are looking at the polls and jumping on the McCain band wagon because they want a job with his administration if he wins. Well I hope Mitt Romney spoles all of that. WE NEED A REAL CONSERVATIVE. WE NEED MITT ROMNEY !!!!!!

Doc Savage   February 4th, 2008 9:02 pm ET

Have some fun... Google "santorum"

john williams san diego, ca.   February 4th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

there was one brief moment in his life when Pataki was not a loser and that ended when he became govenor of N.Y., that moment has long been gone and he now continues his losing decisions...BUILD THE FENCE

Michael, Cambridge, NY   February 4th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

It's back!! I thought we got rid of him last year. Considering Pataki's approval here, this may end up helping Romney or Huckabee or both.

Billy   February 4th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

MCCAIN IS TOO OLD

apollo   February 4th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

If McCain had won Maine, the media would have called it a devastating blow. Romney's win puts him within 6 delegates.

Tomorrow will be exciting. Best wishes to all the candidates.

David....Nevada   February 4th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

ABC..anybody but mcCain... If Mc get the nomination most real conservatives despising the man, will go vote for someone else..

Martin Padilla   February 4th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Obama talks a very good game and makes a lot of sense in what he is determined to do if elecxted, but I just have a feeling he cannot accomplish one half of what he wants to do. It appears to me he is not aware of how the system works on congress to get something done, even after a couple of years as a senator. He will in time make an excellent president, but defenitely should get more experience before taking on the establishment and attempts to make the changes he which he wants to make and should be made for the sake of the American people. Hillary has an advantage as she has met and involved with a good number of government officials and other dignataries from all over the world and has the necessary experience on how to deal with then. Look at the mess we are presently in after electing an individual without experience. Vote for Hilary on February 5th. Thanks Martin

Russell Fox   February 4th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

I cant understand why im so anti McCain where i once was a supporter..Ever since i watched the calif debate, and saw his smirkeness, and rude to Ron Paul and he looked like he had an attituded problem im am convinced after the debate hes not our man....Hows it go...Im not his friend, Im not a foot soldier, Im not a straight shooter so therfore i must be the best canadate...Let see if they ask me a tuff question i just relate to my service, and being a prisoner, and the most experienced in miliatry ....I will just ever now and then say my friends i will protect you from terrrrrrrrrrror, that always get them...I cant talk about the economy but i do have a lot of endorsements i just mention those..names ..Let see they keep asking about immigration but i will just take the stance we have to secure our borders first, that will hold them for a while....but i wont say if my bill comes thru with liberman i will vote against it, i will just tell them that it wont come before the senate...I can go on this is the man you want......Well Good Luck Fat chance ....Independents will have a lot to say about him......Change yes we can and independent.

AJ, IL   February 4th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Wow! These guys (Republican Party leaders) either really don't like Romney or Hillary!

whatsitToyou   February 4th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Okay this article shouts out to me..McCain is going to do me a big favor if he is elected!

Tom, Boston MA   February 4th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

birds of a feather... vultures flocking following the smell...

Kiki   February 4th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

To Waytogo:

Hello, this is a blog about McCain, not Obama.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   February 4th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

John McCain is too old and brings nothing new to the table. What are you people thinking about.

Justin   February 4th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Is there some brown on Pitaki's nose?

Kevin B   February 4th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

I think the "band wagon" affect and endless reporting of polls and endorsements is undermining our democracy.

The media keeps telling us who to vote for (McCain and Obama)

-why the front page and headlines for them?!?!

Why not report the issues and let voters decide!!!
-let the poll taken on election day be the only one you report.
-endorsements and polls are not news, it is mind control.

QUESTION AUTHORITY!!!

Hillphil   February 4th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

With all the endorsements for mccain they must for sure want the Democrats to have the white house
Even though I'm a Republican if mccain is nominated I will vote Democrat

Martin Senecal   February 4th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Her emotions being shown on her sleve may seem endearing to some, but to those who have served in the public arena, it is regretable and a sign of deeper issues. None good.............

USMC Retired in Texas   February 4th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

McLiar and Rev $huckKkaBee have been given their marching orders by the Clinton/GE/NBC family...(force Romney out at ALL COST) Romney doesn't stand a chance....McLiar and Rev $huckKkaBee will receive their respective rewards after the Clinton Clan has been properly crowned and annointed the Royal Family once more. Cabinet posts for all, right McHuckKkUhKaneUhBee's???? Must be nice to not ever have to WORK for a living like HONEST people do.

G Waggerby   February 4th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

I have nothing against Bill Clinton, I just think he would interfer if Hillary was the president or Vice President.
I don't even think Hillary would be good in either jobs if she was not married to Bill. Her marriage to Bill has nothing to do with my feelings. I just don;t think she is a good canidate, and I am not sure what ever spurred her to think she is.
I think she should just be happy being the senator of New York.

Renaisauce   February 4th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Way to give in, Pataki. Will someone please have the guts to support a more reasonable choice in spite of the polls? We really don't have to vote for this guy.

Moosejaw   February 4th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Nobody cares what George Pataki thinks. About anything.

David....Nevada   February 4th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

It's the economy stupid... Another bad day on wall street for you non believers..
Romney for economic and responsible immigration...

Laurinda   February 4th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Oh who cares who Pataki endorses. We got him out of office because he wasn't a very good governor. Mc Cain will not be our president because he is an old fuddy dutty. He wants to stay in Iraq, so he should go over there and become their president. I'm sure that they have Geritol and sunlamps over there for him.

Jacque Bauer   February 4th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Another great reason to support Mitt Romney!!!

go figure   February 4th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Bush supports flock to McCain.

Darth Vadik, CA   February 4th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Ah this guy Pataki has a great foresight,
what the heck did the New Yorkers ever see in this guy?

Waytogo   February 4th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Oprah can do what she want and still collect bilions a year. Even Obama can not manage the country well, she still collect the money. So she does not care if Obama is right person for the job and just care Obama gets the job. So for Kennedys who have millions in their bank accounts.

We from working families, have to consider who is ready for the job. Would you believe a person with one year Senator experience can manage this country? I do not buy it.

It is a real life issue not just good story.

kevin from alaska   February 4th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

More proof to the maxim that McCain will do anything to get elected.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

twitter
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP