A George Pataki spokesman told NBC News that the former New York governor will not endorse Rick Perry during his appearance in Iowa Saturday, continuing to leave the door open to speculation he could soon announce a presidential bid.

Pataki and Perry will both be at the Polk County Picnic in Des Moines, Iowa, on Saturday. In response to a question about whether Pataki could use the event to endorse Perry, Pataki spokesman David Catalfamo said, "I can definitively put that rumor to rest."

The early makings of a Pataki presidential website was accidentally made public yesterday. It was scrubbed after media reports revealed its existence.

The early makings of George Pataki’s presidential website were accidentally made public this morning before media reports surfaced of the site’s existence and the prototype was scrubbed of any mention of the former New York governor.

As first revealed by the news site PolitickerNY.com, a "George Pataki President" logo sat in the upper left corner of the site with tabs below labeled “Debt Crisis Plan” and a link to his biography. Another tab titled "The Pataki Record" highlighted nine issues ranging from the budget and taxes to education. Immigration and social issues, like gay rights, were not highlighted.

Pataki spokesman David Catalfamo told CapitalTonight.com: "Can’t run a campaign without a website -- the hosting company apparently made a mistake and has prematurely made it searchable. The site is still in development and will only be launched if the Governor decides to get in the race."

The site was created by NetBoots, the same company that created a website for Pataki's organization "No American Debt," which favors reducing the federal debt. According to the NetBoots website, the company was "launched to ensure all conservative candidates, organizations, and grassroots movements have access to powerful, professional websites."

Both the Pataki site and "No American Debt" site have the same image of an American flag and Statue of Liberty in the banner.

NetBoots has created sites for Mike Lee's 2010 Senate run and Jane Corwin, a Republican who lost in a special Congressional election in New York this May.

The mistake has only increased speculation that Pataki will announce his presidential candidacy soon. Pataki will be attending the Polk County Picnic in Iowa on Saturday, along with other Republican presidential hopefuls Rick Perry and Ron Paul. 

Darrell Kearney, finance director and events chairman for the Polk County Republican Party, told NBC News he expects a “major announcement” from Pataki at the event.

*** UPDATE *** Catalfamo tells NBC News: "Governor Pataki was one of, if not the first, candidate to take an online donation, and if we launch I would expect to have a very aggressive online campaign."

A check of GoDaddy.com shows Georgepataki.com is registered to Campaign Solutions in Alexandria, VA.  They describe themselves as "a full-service online consulting firm specializing in fundraising, advertising, mobile, social media, and web development. We've raised more money online than any other political consulting or public affairs firm in history."

It has done work with Michele Bachmann's presidential campaign and McCain-Palin in '08.

Also, GeorgePataki.com does not expire until July 2013

MANCHESTER, NH -- You can add another prominent Republican who’s thinking about a White House bid.
 
“I am definitely considering a run for president,” former New York Gov. George Pataki told reporters here.

Fresh off a trip to Iowa, Pataki was in the Granite State leading a discussion on the debt crisis at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm's College. (Organizers claimed it was scheduled long before the current debt impasse began producing headlines.)

"We are engaged in generational theft. Politicians in Washington are stealing from our children's future… This is not leadership,” Pataki told the group.

When asked about the current GOP presidential field's handling of the debt problem, Pataki seemed dissatisfied.

"A Republican has to make as part of their campaign how they're going deal with the deficit and debt issue,” he told NBC News. “We have to have solutions. So far, I haven’t heard that. I'm certainly looking to see if someone has that plan in the tone of their campaign.”

Then Pataki paused to reiterate that he is taking a closer look at the White House. “I’m seriously thinking about it."

Here in New Hampshire, Pataki is the honorary chairman of a group called No American Debt, which hosted today’s event. He joined state Senate President Peter Bragdon and House Speaker Bill O’Brien to answer questions from approximately 20 concerned citizens, business leaders, and one college student.

Pataki wasted no time in attacking President Obama’s positions on a broad range of issues including energy, jobs, taxes, and the subject du jour: the debt debate.

As for when he might declare a run for the White House, Pataki knows the clock is ticking.

"I don’t want to put a specific date on it, but I understand that sooner is better than not.”

Pataki said it would “be great” if Texas Gov. Rick Perry entered the presidential race, but he stated firmly that Perry’s move would not ultimately affect his own decision.

“I will be very involved in some way, whether it's as a candidate or supporting another candidate or some other capacity."