Pataki expected to support Buerkle's pledge to repeal President Obama's health care reform.
Republican George Pataki served three terms as New York's governor, from 1995 to 2007. He will campaign for Ann Marie Buerkle on Thursday in Syracuse. Washington -- Former New York Gov. George Pataki plans to visit Syracuse on Thursday to endorse and campaign with Republican congressional candidate Ann Marie Buerkle.
Pataki, who until now had stayed out of local congressional races in Central New York, plans to appear with Buerkle at the Villas off Velasko Road at 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
He is expected to talk with senior citizens about health care and endorse Buerkle, according to Liza Lowery of the Buerkle campaign.
Buerkle, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Dan Maffei, D-DeWitt, has called for the repeal of President Barack Obama's health care reform package.
A Post-Standard/Siena Poll in the 25th Congressional District published Sunday shows Maffei has a 12-point lead over Buerkle heading into the final two weeks of the campaign.
Pataki last visited Central New York for a congressional candidate in October 2009, when he campaigned in Oswego County with Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate and tea party favorite in the 23rd Congressional District.
Pataki is still considered a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2012, although he declined to run in 2008 after forming an exploratory committee.
Contact Washington correspondent Mark Weiner at mweiner@syracuse.com or 571-970-3751.