NEW YORK, NY September 25, 2006 —Governor Pataki is the first potential presidential candidate to put a stake in the ground. He now has opened a campaign office in Des Moines, Iowa.

Pataki has been a frequent visitor to Iowa, where precinct caucuses traditionally launch the presidential nominating season. Pataki has enlisted former state Senate Republican Leader Stewart Iverson to advise his 2008 campaign.

And the soon to be ex-governor says he also plans to open offices soon in New Hampshire and South Carolina.