Ohio Gov. John Kasich heads to early primary state of South Carolina [View all]

[brooklynite]

Source: Washington Post

Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a long-talked about potential Republican presidential contender, will travel to South Carolina next week to promote his hawkish brand of fiscal politics in one of the GOP primary’s early voting states.

Kasich’s trip -- his first to a primary battleground this year -- comes as former Florida governor Jeb Bush, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and other possible rivals for the 2016 GOP nomination are moving quickly to hire staff and raise money for their all-but-certain bids.

Kasich, 62, who was reelected by a wide margin last year, has been less active in building a national political presence. But by visiting the influential and highly conservative state, he is signaling his interest in connecting with Republicans beyond the Rust Belt.

Kasich’s two-day swing, Feb. 18-19, will feature private meeting with state legislative leaders and party officials, according to several people close to Kasich who are familiar with his plans but unauthorized to speak publicly. Kasich is also scheduled to hold a news conference.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/02/11/ohio-gov-john-kasich-heads-to-early-primary-state-of-south-carolina/