DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ Ignoring the calendar, Republican Gov. George Pataki of New York is the first potential presidential candidate to open a campaign office in Iowa.
The caucuses aren't until January 2008, but Pataki plans to open an office this week in Des Moines and one in Manchester, N.H., soon after. He's also in preliminary discussions with officials in South Carolina about an office in that state, spokeswoman Alicia Preston said Monday.
"He wants to really help Republicans" in this year's midterm elections, Preston said.
Pataki has been a frequent visitor to Iowa. He decided not to seek another term as governor as he explores a bid for the Republican presidential nomination. Pataki is a moderate GOP governor who supports abortion rights and gun control, stands that puts him at odds with the Republicans' conservative base.