Ohio Gov. Kasich ends bid for Republican nomination

Republican presidential candidate, Ohio Gov. John Kasich listens to questions during a news conference in New York, Thursday, March 31, 2016.
Republican presidential candidate, Ohio Gov. John Kasich listens to questions during a news conference in New York, Thursday, March 31, 2016.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The last man standing in Donald Trump's path to the Republican nomination, Ohio Gov. John Kasich ended his campaign Wednesday, making Trump the party's presumptive nominee.

Speaking to reporters in Columbus, Ohio, Kasich didn't outline his reasons for ending his bid or mention Trump. Instead, he offered an emotional recount of his exchanges with voters and renewed his call for Americans to spend more time helping one another.

He acknowledged it was a message that never seemed to resonate.

"The spirit, the essence of America lies in the hearts and souls of us," he said. "Some missed this message. It wasn't sexy; it wasn't a great soundbite."

Despite his inability to win any contests beyond Ohio, Kasich held on to become the last candidate battling Trump — albeit for only a few hours. His decision to end his campaign comes a day after his other remaining rival, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, announced that he was suspending his campaign.

Kasich was visibly emotional as he thanked his family and staff.

"Nobody has ever done more with less in the history of politics," he said.

Earlier Wednesday, Trump told CNN's Wolf Blitzer that "I think John's doing the right thing."

"I think John will be very helpful with Ohio, even as governor," he said in a clip of the interview. Trump stressed that he's had a good relationship with the Ohio governor and said he's someone the billionaire is willing to consider as his vice president. "I would be interested in vetting John," he said.

Read Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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