Former Gov. George Pataki took the unusual step today of publicly calling for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to jump into the race for president.

Pataki released a statement this morning through his No American Debt group, saying that none of the current presidential candidates have “leveled” with voters on the problems the country faces.

“America is in a crisis, and none of the current candidates or the President has leveled with American public about what needs to be done to rescue our future. This country needs a straight shooter and a proven leader. I urge Governor Chris Christie to run for President to fill the void and lead America forward.”

Pataki was said to be considering a run for president himself and aides even went as far as creating a mock website for his campaign. In the end, the former three-term governor decided it would be too much of a burden on his family to make a run.

Christie has been under pressure from the Republican establishment to make a run as Texas Gov. Rick Perry faltered and elites remain unconvinced of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Christie gave a speech at the Reagan library and museum earlier this week and did little to temper expectations he would or would not run.

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