Pataki launches anti-healthcare group amid 2012 talk

Former New York Gov. George Pataki (R) on Sunday debuted "Revere America" a new 501(c)(4) organization that seeks to drum up support for a prompt repeal of Democrats' healthcare reforms.

Pataki officially unveiled his new group in Boston early Sunday, stressing the organization's links to the history of Paul Revere.

"235 years ago Paul Revere embarked on his historic ride warning the people that their freedom was in danger. The people joined together. They defeated liberty's enemies. Our unwavering commitment to freedom has been the cornerstone of a nation that has prospered and flourished," he said in a statement last week announcing Sunday's rally.

"Revere America is being launched to counter the forces of liberalism by advancing common sense public policies rooted in our traditions of freedom and free markets, and that will once again make America secure and prosperous for generations to come," he added.

Pataki later told C-SPAN's "Washington Journal" in an interview that aired Sunday his effort would soon expand to "all 50 states" -- a sign many have since interpreted as Patak's 2012 presidential ambitions

"We're going to mobilize at the grass roots to get at least a million signatures and e-mail addresses of people who will support us in working to repeal ObamaCare and replace it with a true health care reform," he told C-SPAN, two days before his scheduled trip to promote his book in Iowa.

However, Pataki quickly dismissed all speculation about his presidential aspirations during the interview Sunday.

"I think to worry about 2012 is a disservice to the American people," Patak stressed. "A couple of points: First, I love the private sector. I spent 12 years as governor of New York state. I am now working in green energy areas and next generation vehicles so that we can end our over-reliance on people like Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, and I'm enjoying that very much."

"And second, I don't think we can wait until 2012 to reclaim our government. So that's why RevereAmerica is out there now," he added.

Pataki was once viewed as a possible Republican challenger to Sen. Kirsten Gilibrand (D-N.Y.) in 2010. However, the former New York governor announced earlier this month he would not challenge the Democratic incumbent, instead focusing on his newly formed group.