Ohio Gov. John Kasich, R-Ohio, believes his political background is what makes him the best 2016 presidential candidate.
“I think it’s the best resume and a terrific record,” the Republican told NBC’s Chuck Todd on Sunday, though he has yet to officially launch a presidential campaign.
“I’m optimistic about where we are,” Kasich said, adding, “I don’t need to do this to have a good life but I think I can help our country. If I can really step up and help it, I intend to do it.”
Kasich added that as he weighs a White House run, he is concerned about his family.
“If I think I can’t win, Chuck, I don’t want to burden my family or my friends,” he told Todd.
Kasich continued to tout his efforts against crime as governor of Ohio, specifically his work protecting the death penalty law.
“I have supported the death penalty and will continue to do so,” Kasich said. “A lot of families just want a sense of closure and to see justice done. It isn’t about revenge, it is about justice.”
With two percentage points, Kasich is polling eleventh in a RealClearPolitics average of polls of declared or likely-to-declare 2016 Republican presidential nominees.
