HOLLAND, Mich. - A warm welcome Friday evening for Ohio Gov. John Kasich, visiting arguably one of the most conservative counties in Michigan.
Kasich used Friday's town hall at Herman Miller Inc. as an opportunity to appeal to West Michigan voters ahead of Tuesday's primary, especially since constituents in attendance were worried that a vote for Kasich could be a wasted vote.
"My wife and I argued today about who we should vote for," said one Michigander. "I love you, but my wife says it's a waste of a vote. Can you convince me tonight that it's not a waste?"
Gov. Kasich quickly responded by saying he's beating Hillary Clinton more than any other republican in the race. Touts of success in Ohio were followed by focal points on the national budget, cutting taxes and diversification. All part of a strategy as governor he's hoping is enough to get him to the White House.
"And of course we're up over 400,000 jobs, almost 420,000," said Kasich. "Our budget is balanced and we have a two billion dollar surplus. We cut taxes by $5 million dollars, including killing the death tax."
Without a primary win on his record, Kasich is hoping for better success in Michigan and his home state of Ohio.
"We're gaining here in Michigan, and as you all know, obviously know, we leave Michigan, and head to what always seems to be the center of our political universe of Ohio, where I will beat Donald Trump and it will be a whole new day in America as it relates to the Republican party and the Republican nominee," said Governor Kasich.
Also Friday, Kasich picked up the endorsement from Michigan Lt. Governor Brian Calley.
"The president of the United States is the type of office that you want a man like John Kasich," said Calley. "Someone who has a heart for communities and people and also have the experience and the background to get that done."
However, Kasich told FOX 17 during a press conference it's difficult to compete without name-calling and bad-mouthing the other candidates.
"If I were to go out and call more names, I'd get more media attention," said Kasich. "I choose not to do that."
