Idaho Gov. Otter endorses Kasich for president, joins campaign

BOISE - Idaho Gov. Butch Otter has endorsed Ohio Gov. John Kasich for president and joined Kasich’s campaign as a national co-chair.

“There’s simply no substitute for executive experience,” Otter said in a statement. “Gov. Kasich has proven himself to be a leader who can effectively balance a budget, open the door to job creation and bring people together to find solutions. His record of results is unmatched by any other candidate, and it is time for Republicans to coalesce around his vision for our nation. I look forward to spreading his message of optimism and strength here in Idaho.”

Otter has been saying for months that he thought the next president should be a current or former Republican governor; with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s withdrawal from the race last Saturday, Kasich was the last one left in the running.

Kasich said, “As a fellow sitting governor, Butch Otter knows what it takes to be an executive and make tough decisions. I’m grateful for his support and confidence in our campaign as we continue to expand our ground operations in Idaho.”