Gov. John Kasich (R-OH) Nears Announcement  ... back >
photo 1 of gov. john kasich at july 7, 2015 media availability at rnc headquarters\
July 7, 2015 - Gov. John Kasich (R-OH), who is expected to announce his candidacy in Columbus, OH on July 21 fielded reporters' questions during a press availability at RNC headquarters.  Kasich said he expected only a handful of reporters to show up; instead the room was almost filled.  Later he was to meet with congressional chiefs of staff, Members of Congress, and his steering committee at the Capitol HIll Club next door.
photo 2 of gov. john kasich at july 7, 2015 media availability at rnc headquarters
In response to reporters' questions, Kasich said he is not entering the race too late.  "My number one purpose is to make sure Ohio works," he said.  He touted his accomplishments including the recently signed budget, private sector job growth and elimination of the $8 billion budget deficit he inherited.  Asked about his temperament, Kasich noted that he had carried 86 of 88 counties in his 2014 re-election.  There "must be something that I'm doing right," he said.  "We're pretty direct where we come from," Kasich said.  "I don't think there's anything wrong with being direct," he added, pointing to various challenges the country faces.  He also said he was optimistic about his prospects in New Hampshire, where former Sen. John Sununu is a key supporter.  "New Hampshire is a place where people look you squarely in the eyes," Kasich said. 

Kasich should know about New Hampshire; in 1999 he made a brief exploratory run for the White House that ended on 16 years ago on July 14 (+).  Using an analogy he said that on that run he had a jet airplane but didn't have any gas.  This time he has much more experience, and appears confident on the finances.  In April he formed a 527 organization, New Day for America, that has been supporting his recent travels. 
photo 3 of gov. john kasich at july 7, 2015 media availability at rnc headquarters
photo 4 of gov. john kasich at july 7, 2015 media availability at rnc headquarters
An aide said that more than two thousand tickets have already been ordered for Kasich's announcement, scheduled to take place in The Ohio Union at The Ohio State University.
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