Pataki Heads to Iowa Amid Speculation

Former New York Gov. George Pataki will attend a Republican event in Iowa on Saturday as he considers a Republican run for president.

The moderate Republican who won three terms in a heavily Democratic state is scheduled to attend a Republican picnic in Des Moines.

It will be at least his third trip to the important primary state this summer.

The 66-year-old Pataki is pushing a fiscally conservative agenda. He says he is considering a run for president because Democratic President Obama has no serious plan to reduce the national debt.

Pataki also is advocating specific plans such as creating more transmission lines to greatly expand wind power.

Alternative energy was a key element of Pataki's mix of tax cuts and environmental advocacy in New York.