Kasich moves to hold on to his delegates

Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) is instructing his delegates to stick with him, according to a new report.

 

Kasich, who suspended presidential his campaign earlier this month, has asked his 161 delegates to remain bound to him through the Republican National Convention in July, The Washington Post reports.

 

The governor made the request in personal letters sent Monday to GOP officials in the 16 states and D.C. where he won delegates, according to the newspaper.

 

An aide told the Post that Kasich thinks holding on to his delegates could provide leverage to push presumptive nominee Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpIvanka Trump pens op-ed on kindergartners learning tech Bharara, Yates tamp down expectations Mueller will bring criminal charges Overnight Cybersecurity: Equifax security employee left after breach | Lawmakers float bill to reform warrantless surveillance | Intel leaders keeping collusion probe open MORE to be more of a positive and unifying force. Trump is likely to clinch the nomination before the convention.

 

Sens. Marco RubioMarco Antonio RubioOvernight Defense: Tillerson, Trump deny report of rift | Tillerson says he never considered resigning | Trump expresses 'total confidence' in secretary | Rubio asks Army to kick out West Point grad Rubio asks Army to kick out West Point grad with pro-communist posts GOP establishment doubts Bannon’s primary powers MORE (Fla.) and Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzWhatever you think the Alabama special election means, you’re probably wrong This week: Congress gets ball rolling on tax reform Week ahead: Senators work toward deal to fix ObamaCare markets MORE (Texas), who won more delegates than Kasich in the primaries, have made similar calls for their delegates to stay with them.

 

Kasich has so far withheld his endorsement of Trump and has insisted that he's not interested in being his running mate.