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DGA Welcomes John Kasich Back to New Hampshire

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DGA Welcomes John Kasich Back to New Hampshire

Awkward! NeverTrump Kasich Endorses Trump-loving Sununu

Today, the Democratic Governors Association sent Gov. John Kasich a welcome back card as he makes what is sure to be an awkward return visit to New Hampshire.

Kasich-sununu

Kasich is returning to the Granite State to endorse GOP candidate Chris Sununu in the Republican gubernatorial primary, but the move stands to create some obvious tension as the two share the stage.

Kasich is known as the most prominent GOP governor who refuses to support Trump’s disastrous campaign. Meanwhile, the candidate he is endorsing – Chris Sununu – has embraced Trump with open arms.

“The awkward Kasich-Sununu event will send one clear message: Chris Sununu lacks the courage to stand up to Donald Trump,” said DGA Communications Director Jared Leopold. “While Gov. Kasich and other Republicans rebuked Trump, Chris Sununu has hopped aboard the Trump Train. As the two share the stage in New Hampshire, will Sununu follow Kasich’s lead and finally take a stand against Donald Trump? Or will he double-down and lean even further into the Party of Trump?”   

Sununu’s refusal to stand up to Donald Trump certainly makes the Kasich endorsement an uncomfortable fit, and New England political pundits are already questioning its utility:

“Kasich doesn’t help Sununu ahead of his primary,” wrote Boston Globe Political Reporter James Pindell. “The trip is risky for Kasich and unhelpful for Sununu.”

BACKGROUND

In June 2016, Chris Sununu Said He is Standing Behind Donald Trump and Hopes He Does Well. Chris Sununu said, “Donald Trump is the nominee and I’m a firm believer that we do need to stand behind the nominee, especially on the Republican side. To me the alternative would be disastrous. So, I’m standing behind him and hope he does well.” [NH1, 6/8/16]

In June 2016, Kasich Said, “It’s Painful” and “At this Point I Just Can’t Do It,” When Asked About His Pledge to Support the Republican Presidential Nominee. According to Politico, “John Kasich is in agony over his decision last year to support the eventual Republican nominee and the current reality that Donald Trump is his party’s presumptive standard-bearer. ‘You know, it’s painful. It’s painful. You know, people even get divorces, you know? I mean, sometimes, things out that look, I’m sorry that this has happened,’ the Ohio governor said in an interview aired Thursday on MSNBC’s ‘Morning Joe,’ ‘But we’ll see where it ends up. I’m not making any final decisions yet, but at this point, I just can’t do it.” [Politico, 6/16/16]

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