Former Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt endorsed Ohio Gov. John Kasich for president on Thursday.
The former Romney adviser and member of President George W. Bush’s cabinet cited Kasich’s electability as a major reason for his support.
“Gov. John Kasich had a decisive and critical win in Ohio,” Leavitt said in a statement shared by the Kasich campaign. “I trust his temperament and the tone of his campaign. I worked closely with Gov. Kasich over many years and I have witnessed his ability to bring people together to get things done. I think he has the best opportunity to beat Hillary Clinton.”
Leavitt’s support was announced soon after Romney hit the campaign trail for Kasich in Ohio en route to the governor’s first victory in the 2016 race. Utah Republicans vote on Tuesday.
