CLEVELAND, Ohio — Key political backers of John Kasich have formed a nonprofit organization that will promote themes the Ohio governor pushed during his unsuccessful run for last year’s Republican presidential nomination.
Two Paths America is “inspired by the imagery and rhetoric of … Kasich’s description of the public policy choices facing us and the need to take the higher path,” according to a news release sent late Friday afternoon. “Two Paths America will take the same approach in supporting the best and highest policy ideas.”
The move, announced late Friday afternoon, will fuel speculation that Kasich is keeping his options open for the 2020 election — perhaps as a GOP alternative to Trump. “Two Paths” was the title of a major speech Kasich gave during his White House bid at a time when he was eager to draw contrasts between his mild message of inclusion and Trump’s hard-line and divisive policy proposals.
“Two Paths” also is the title of a book Kasich plans to release in April. The book will reflect on his campaign and explore issues important to the governor.
Kasich, who maintained his criticism of Trump after dropping out, refused to vote for the GOP nominee last fall, writing in Arizona Sen. John McCain instead.
John Weaver, the chief strategist on Kasich’s White House campaign, and Kasich political spokesman Chris Schrimpf are involved with Two Paths America, according to CNN, which first reported on the launch. Columbus-based political consultant Doug Preisse and former Ohio House Speaker Jo Ann Davidson, two longtime members of Kasich’s inner circle, will serve on the organization’s board of directors.
Term limits prevent Kasich, 64, from seeking a third consecutive term as governor. He has downplayed any interest he might have in another presidential campaign. But he has spoken out against some of Trump’s early decisions, particularly the president’s ban on travel from predominantly Muslim countries.
“We must strengthen our nation’s security through well-thought out and constructed plans,” Kasich said of the move last month. “The latest executive order is neither.”
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