Idaho Gov. Butch Otter endorses John Kasich in GOP primary
John Kasich is the last governor standing in the race for the Republican nomination -- and he's getting the backing of a fellow GOP governor because of it.
C. L. "Butch" Otter, the governor of Idaho, threw his support behind Kasich Wednesday. Idaho's primary is slated for March 8.
"There's simply no substitute for executive experience," Otter said in a statement.
"Gov. Kasich has proven himself to be a leader who can effectively balance a budget, open the door to job creation and bring people together to find solutions," he continued. "His record of results is unmatched by any other candidate, and it is time for Republicans to coalesce around his vision for our nation. I look forward to spreading his message of optimism and strength here in Idaho."
For Kasich, who's been talking up his experience as the sole governor left in the race, Otter's backing could provide a boost in a post-Super Tuesday state. Kasich, who came in second in New Hampshire but has otherwise finished toward the bottom in the other three early contests so far, is looking to notch some statewide victories in March in order to justify remaining in the race.
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The Otter endorsement comes on the heels of another from Pennsylvania Rep. Charlie Dent, who called Kasich "the candidate who is humble enough to listen to the American people." Kasich has received just a handful of endorsements from fellow Republican elected officials so far. His other gubernatorial endorsement came from Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley.