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Former Congressman and current Fox TV host John Kasich came close this morning to announcing he’s running for governor. And fellow Fox host Sean Hannity pledged $10,000 to his not-yet campaign.
Kasich sponsored the Ohio delegation breakfast this morning at which Hannity was the featured speaker. The first hint of an announcement came in Kasich’s direct criticism of popular Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland as a caretaker governor and his more muted criticism of Republican legislative leaders for working with him. Then Hannity took the stand, took more shots at the condition of Ohio under Strickland’s leadership and called to Kasich across the room to run for governor. He then pledged to put up the most money the law allows to help Kasich do it.
After the breakfast, Kasich acknowledged he’s thinking hard about running, but says he won’t make a formal announcement until late next year. Meanwhile, he and his scheduler are gathering dates and names for GOP gatherings around the state.
GOP Chairman Bob Bennett says other names mentioned for governor include Cincinnati Congressman Rob Portman and Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted.
