Former Peekskill Mayor and current Governor George Pataki (R-NY) is the first presidential hopeful to set up shop in the key primary state of Iowa.

Some fellow Republicans are hailing the move, which gives the governor a physical presence there. According to an analyst, Pataki?s moderate conservatism, upstate New York ties and good environmental record will help him relate to voters in American?s heartland.

However, Democratic critics counter that Pataki?s low poll numbers in New York, even though it?s a blue state, won?t translate to big support in red states. Democrats also say Pataki?s pro-abortion stance and his silence on the war in Iraq will hurt his chances.