New York Gov. George Pataki assembles team of Iowa conservatives to help with coming elections

(AP) New York Gov. George Pataki has assembled a team of Iowa conservatives who will help him assist local Republicans in this year's midterm elections and lay the foundation for the presidential caucuses in 2008.

"The experience and leadership they bring to the table will help our PAC achieve its mission of electing Republican candidates in Iowa," said the Republican governor, whose decision not to seek a fourth term has stoked speculation about a White House bid.

Several Republicans question the notion of Pataki seeking the GOP presidential nomination, arguing that his support for abortion and gay rights and gun control is at odds with the party's rank-and-file.

But Pataki has focused on the retail politics required in Iowa. He has been to the state four times since the National Governors Association meeting last summer, and frequently helps other Republicans with campaigning and fundraising.

He is scheduled to return to Iowa on Friday.

Pataki has enlisted former Senate Republican Leader Stewart Iverson and Ed Failor Jr., a leader of Iowans for Tax Relief, a conservative anti-tax group that runs the state's largest political action committee.

"Since taking office the governor has cut taxes by over $140 billion," Failor said. "That's the kind of leadership we could use here in Iowa."

Joining Pataki's campaign will be Benton County Republican Chairman Loras Schulte and veteran activists Diane Crookham-Johnson and JoEllen Hill. All are leaders in the state's Republican conservative movement, and their endorsement solidifies Pataki's standing with that politically potent wing of the party.

Pataki was announcing his leadership team on Thursday, but aides outlined the endorsements to The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Failor, who is on the board of Iowa Right to Life, headed field operations for President Bush's campaign in the state in 2004. He also established a grass-roots operation that allowed a Republican presidential candidate to carry the state for the first time since 1984.

They will work for Pataki's political action committee, the 21st Century Freedom PAC, targeting races in Iowa in this year's elections but also building a political base for Pataki.