Ex-New York Gov. Pataki says no to 2012 presidential run

Former New York Governor George Pataki has announced that he won't be running for president after all.

Pataki said Friday that he will not seek the Republican nomination, despite months of speculation. Pataki had been trying to build support in the early primary states of Iowa and New Hampshire. Some expected Pataki to announce his candidacy on Saturday at a Polk County, Iowa Republican fundraiser.

"I remain committed to the advancement of real, politically viable reforms to entitlements and rolling back the size and cost of the federal government," Pataki said in a statement obtained by CNN. "At this time, I will continue to do this as the leader of No American Debt and not as a candidate for president. Throughout the coming months I will remain active in this important discussion and support the candidate who offers the vision, the ideas and the leadership to bring an end to America's debt crisis."

According to The New York Times, what appeared to be a draft of a campaign website for Pataki was discovered earlier this week. But the newspaper reports that Pataki, 66, faced long odds for the nomination, due to moderate stances on social issues and a lack of campaign or fundraising infrastructure.

"Mr. Pataki was roundly mocked by political analysts in recent days for his consideration of a run," the Times said.

Pataki served three terms as governor of New York, from 1996 to 2006.

On Monday, another Republican rumored to be mulling a presidential bid, Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan, also announced that he would not seek the nomination.

Gallup's most recent poll of the Republican field shows Texas Governor Rick Perry leading former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.