Former New York governor George Pataki will speak this Saturday at a Polk County, Iowa Republican fundraiser, stoking speculation that he may announce a run for president.
Pataki, a featured speaker at the event, will be joined by two declared presidential candidates, Texas Represenative Ron Paul and Michigan Representative Thaddeus McCotter.
“Strong chance he will announce, I believe,” event organizer Darrell Kearney told the Des Moines Register.
On Monday, Pataki spokesman David Catalfamo told CBS News that Pataki was “seriously considering” a candidacy.
If Pataki does announce his presidential ambitions, it would be the first candidacy to be launched at the illustrious Jalapeno Pete’s restaurant at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, where the event is being held.
Pataki visited Iowa in June and July, and his non-profit group, No American Debt, aired TV ads in the state, as well as in New Hampshire, another early primary state.
Three-term governor of New York mulled a run for president in 2008. He visited Iowa eight times and opened an office in the state before ultimately deciding against running.