Former N.Y. Gov. George Pataki has endorsed John Kasich for president, making it the first show of support for the Ohio governor by any of the Republican presidential candidate dropouts.
“John Kasich is the candidate who doesn’t just beat Hillary Clinton, he trounces her and will help us to regain Washington,” Pataki told Greta Van Susteren Thursday night on Fox News’ “On the Record” show.
Kasich beats Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton by the largest margin of all Republican candidates in a potential general election match-up, according to a RealClearPolitics average.
But Pataki also said it was important to support a candidate who could not only beat the Democratic nominee, but go on to be a successful commander in chief.
“You have to be able to govern … John Kasich has a history of bringing people together and governing successfully,” Pataki said.
The Republican criticized GOP front-runner Donald Trump, saying he would be unfit to serve as president, much less the party’s nominee because he would “drive our party off the hill.”
Kasich said the two spoke recently while he campaigned in New York just days ahead of the April 19 primary.
“I’m thrilled to receive Governor Pataki’s endorsement. George is a formidable leader who ran his campaign with great integrity. On the campaign trail in the Governor’s home state of New York, I spoke recently about our choice between the path of optimism and unity on one side and the path of division and fear on the other. I deeply appreciate Governor Pataki’s willingness to walk alongside us on the higher path,” Kasich said in a statement.
