Two possible dark-horse candidates for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 focused on Florida in recent days, looking to build a little momentum in the Sunshine State despite favorite sons former Gov. Jeb Bush, R-Fla., and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., expected to enter the race.
Former Gov. George Pataki, R-N.Y., was in Naples earlier this month where he offered the keynote address to the Collier County GOPs event honoring World War II veterans. First emerging as a national figure in 1994 when he defeated then-Gov. Mario Cuomo, D-N.Y., Pataki served three terms in Albany, retiring after the 2006 elections.
Pataki has been testing the waters in 2016 including an appearance in New Hampshire last week, home of the first presidential primary, but he has been here before including in 2000 and 2012 when he flirted with running but eventually staying out.
During his appearance in Naples, Pataki, who was governor of New York during the 9/11 attacks, called for renewed commitment to fighting in the war on terror. Pataki has also focused on reforming federal lobbying and cutting the size of the federal government, the core of his possible presidential bid.
The absolute growth and reach of the federal government has emerged as a fundamental challenge to the nature of American life, Pataki insisted last week. President Reagan famously said, no government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. He was right then, and he is right now -- thats why Im calling for a 15 percent reduction in the size of the federal workforce. If I can do it in deep blue New York, we can do it in Washington.
Pataki was not the only former governor in recent days to hit the Sunshine State trumpeting his experience leading a traditionally Democratic state. Former Gov. Bob Ehlrich, R-Md., hit Sarasota last week to talk to Republicans as he continues drawing closer to a presidential bid in 2016. Like Pataki, Ehrlich noted his experience leading a blue state.
A lot of us hold similar views on the major issues of the day, but its really about can you win particular states -- whats your history in that regard," Ehrlich told the Suncoast News Network. Obviously coming from a blue state, that gives me somewhat of a unique perspective.
In his appearances on the campaign trail, including stops in New Hampshire, Ehrlich has focused on his ability to lead and manage government in contrast to Washington.
Elected to Congress in 1994, Ehrlich defeated then-Lt. Gov. Katheen Kennedy Townsend, D-Md., the eldest child of former U.S. Sen. Robert Kennedy, D-N.Y., in 2002. Ehrlich led Maryland for four years before losing to Democratic challenger Martin OMalley in 2006 by 7 percent. Four years later, Ehrlich fared worse in the rematch, losing to OMalley by 14 percent. OMalley is looking at running for the Democratic nomination.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
