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Kasich Ties For Seventh In Iowa Caucuses, But Maintains Optimism About Chances In First Primary

Fox News
Screenshot of Gov. John Kasich on "On the Record With Greta Van Susteren", February 1, 2016.

Gov. John Kasich wasn’t even in Iowa for the GOP caucuses last night – he was at the presidential campaign’s next stop, New Hampshire, which holds the first in the nation primary next week.

Since Kasich wasn’t in Iowa, he didn’t get much coverage. But he did appear on "On the Record With Greta Van Susteren" on Fox News from his campaign bus in New Hampshire. “I would have loved to have spent more time in Iowa, but I got in the race in July, and there’s only so much of me to go around,” Kasich said.

Kasich’s campaign strategy has long been to focus on face-to-face campaigning in New Hampshire – he’s hosted 89 town hall meetings, with plans to hit 100 before the primary next Tuesday. Several polls show him in as high as second place, behind Donald Trump.

Kasich finished tied for seventh with Carly Fiorina, both with just under 2%. While Kasich had spent a lot of time and energy in the hopes of doing well in New Hampshire, University of Cincinnati political science professor David Niven said he has his work cut out for him.

niven_kasich_will_have_trouble_finding_follow_up_act.mp3
David Niven talks about Kasich's future beyond the New Hampshire primary.

“To really make his mark in New Hampshire, he really has to shock us all and knock off one of the big candidates. And the trouble for him is, all of the excitement out of Iowa is going to focus on other candidates and none of it is going to come his way,” Niven said.

John McCain followed a similar strategy, winning New Hampshire in 2008 and becoming the Republican nominee. But Niven notes Jon Huntsman tried a similar tactic in 2012, finishing third and then fading out of the race.

Contact Karen at 614-578-6375 or at kkasler@statehousenews.org.
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