[VIDEO & PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

As of yesterday, the GOP had 14 presidential hopefuls vying for the Republican Party’s nomination next July in Cleveland. Though if you ask attendees at yesterday’s highly successful Chai Lifeline event in NY & town-hall-style ‘meet & greet” later that day in Teaneck, they’ll tell you the party actually has 13 hopefuls and one very sure thing. His name? Former NYS Governor George Pataki.

The Governor, who entered the race in late May, has been connecting with both voters and donors via a campaign style that brings to mind the legendary campaign he ran in 1994 when he beat 3 time incumbent NYS Governor and the Democratic party’s poster boy Mario Cuomo. “When it comes to campaigning, the Governor is about people not polling–when he connects with someone, there’s no margin of error, or demographic sample to consider–the voter senses they’re dealing with someone who is “real” and shares their hopes and concerns for our country and it’s allies” explained an aide.

“Additionally he thrives on proving the conventional wisdom and polling wrong. In 1994 he was an upstate Republican that literally came out of nowhere to challenge Mario Cuomo–the Democratic party’s version of “royalty”–and despite NY’s legendary Democratic base and Cuomo’s even more legendary reputation, Governor Pataki won the election–as well as two subsequent re-elections. Winning the election shows he knows how to campaign—serving 3 terms as New York State Governor, also shows he knows how to govern and run one of the toughest states in the country” explained the aide. “He’s not just confident in his ability to lead, he’s also confident in our country’s ability to recognize that–instead of simply accepting what the media wants them to know. The governor sees the tonality of his coverage today, smiles and points out how remarkably similar it is to the coverage he received when he first announced he was running for Governor–and despite prognostications to the contrary. We all know how that race ended” concluded the aide, with a smile.

Messages Meant For The People Not The Press–Or The Polls

Unlike other candidates who rely on boilerplate, pre-tested “stump speeches” that can be mildly altered (if at all) to suit the venue or crowd, when the Governor speaks, the message and content is way more personal. Case in point, at the Chai Lifeline event, he shared with the capacity crowd what he and his family were experiencing in the wake of his son in law’s recent stroke. “Did he get in his points about what makes his a superior candidate and why he’ll win New Hampshire? Yes.” explained the aide.. “But that part of his presentation while compelling, was almost secondary to the very personal and emotional experiences he was sharing with the crowd on behalf of Chai Lifeline. As the event exceeded most all projections in terms of funds raised, it’s clear his thoughts and feelings resonated with the capacity crowd. “In terms of demographics, the Chai Lifeline event attracted most all the high-profile names of the Sephardic Community. The names that comprised the events “Host Committee” read like a ‘who’s who’ in terms of power players–and the guests they attracted were every bit as impressive and high profile. In short, these aren’t individuals who get “wowed” by a title or occupation–what resonates with them–is someone with a vision for the “here and now” as well as the future. They responded to the Governor’s natural warmth and authenticity by making him “one of their own”. While many of the attendees were meeting Governor Pataki for the first time, by the time the event was over, it was clear it wouldn’t be the last time. This is a group that is used to being courted by candidates so it takes a lot to impress them and even more to connect with them on the level the Governor did. They clearly believe in him, and when they believe, they tend to back it with a formidable level of both resources and support.

A few hours after concluding the Chai Lifeline event, the Governor found himself at the Teaneck Doghouse taking part in a “meet & greet” with a community that by and large knew him by reputation. While the relaxed, informal nature of the crowd and event made it easy to “stick to the script”, the Governor again showed his level of political and grass-roots understanding by sharing with the crowd his views on Israel, the Mid-East and his concerns with the current administration’s handing of Iran(among other issues. “You know he’s campaigning because you see his name in the news, but if not for that, the depth, scope and relevance of his speech brought to mind the kind of presentations you’d expect to hear from a news analyst–not a candidate trying to score points–which he clearly did regardless” said one of the many impressed attendees.

The grass-roots, community-centric appearances, are being coordinated through the vision and drive of Herman Friedman, a well-regarded business executive as well as a long time friend of the Governor. While the campaigns’ focus is on winning New Hampshire–a primary that’s almost ‘tailor made” for the Governors’ style, Friedman and his group are very instrumental in introducing the Governor to Jewish Orthodox business entrepreneurs and philanthropists in the tri-state area—where both reputation and results has earned the Governor a loyal following that is both eager and excited to help him realize his presidential aspirations.

“When it comes to the presidential primaries, what happens in New Hampshire doesn’t necessarily stay in New Hampshire, in fact, a New Hampshire win has virtually guaranteed a party win and nomination for over 3 decades. The Governor needs two things to win New Hampshire this January, fundamentals and funding –fundamentals are no problem, he’s in his element when campaigning–especially in New Hampshire–a state that appreciates his plain-spoken “substance with style” approach. In terms of funding, his approach to that is the same as his approach to everything, connect by being 100% real, 100% of the time.” concluded his aide.

If the enthusiasm of the crowds in Manhattan & Teaneck were any indication it’s an approach that works exceptionally well.

(By: Y.S. Haber – YWN World Headquarters – NYC)