Ex-New York Governor Joins Presidential Race

Former New York Governor George Pataki has become the latest Republican to enter the widening 2016 presidential field.

Undeterred by pundits who dismiss him as a longshot, Mr Pataki, 69, released a campaign video invoking the spirit of 9/11.

He said the US needs to recapture its sense of unity after the 2001 attacks on New York, which coincided with his three-term tenure as governor.

"Washington has grown too big, too powerful, too expensive and too intrusive," he said.

"This is exactly what the founding fathers feared. It is time to stand up, protect our freedom and take back this government."

The video climaxes with imagery from American history, including the founding fathers, Iwo Jima and the Moon landings, overlaid with a military drum cadence.

"If we are to flourish as a people," says Mr Pataki, "we have to fall in love with America again."

Mr Pataki formally launched his campaign later in Exeter, New Hampshire, where the first presidential primary vote is held.

After deciding not to run in the last two election cycles, he joins a line-up of contenders that is expected to be longer than ever.

With 529 days to go until the election, there are currently eight Republican candidates.

Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum launched a second bid for the presidency on Wednesday .

Also running are Senators Rand Paul, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, retired neurosurgeon Dr Ben Carson and technology executive Carly Fiorina.

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who has yet to make his bid official, remains the current front-runner in most GOP polls.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former Texas Governor Rick Perry are also expected to join the race.

Fox News, which hosts the first Republican presidential debate in August, has said only 10 candidates will be invited.

It is not yet clear if Mr Pataki will be among them.

On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton is riding high despite controversy over her use of private email while secretary of state.

Her only official opponent so far is Senator Bernie Sanders, who officially kicked off his campaign on Tuesday in Vermont .

Another Democrat, former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley, is expected to unveil his campaign in Baltimore on Saturday.