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 TrumpGillibrand urges opposition to Kavanaugh: Fight for abortion rights 'is now or never' Trump claims tariffs on foreign nations will rescue US steel industry: report Bannon announces pro-Trump movie, operation team ahead of midterms: report MORE to be more of a positive and unifying force. Trump is likely to clinch the nomination before the convention.

 

Sens. Marco RubioMarco Antonio RubioRubio’s pro-family, conservative family leave policy promotes stability Dems make history in Tuesday's primaries Establishment-backed Vukmir wins Wisconsin GOP Senate primary MORE (Fla.) and Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzElection Countdown: GOP worries House majority endangered by top of ticket | Dems make history in Tuesday's primaries | Parties fight for Puerto Rican vote in Florida | GOP lawmakers plan 'Freedom Tour' Former spokeswoman defends Trump calling Omarosa ‘dog’: He’s called men dogs Mellman: Two worlds — Online and off 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.