Ohio Gov. John Kasich spoke to a crowd of more than a hundred supporters Monday during a town hall meeting at the Madison Sheraton Hotel.
Despite polling at only 20 percent of Republican support statewide, Kasich touted himself as the best choice for president. He touched on the threat of terrorism worldwide, small business struggles and the growing national debt in his remarks.
Significant crowd here for @JohnKasich pic.twitter.com/ykHTIMsblv
— Cardinal Politics (@CardPolitics) March 28, 2016
Kasich received endorsements from former U.S. Rep. Scott Klug, R-Wis., and former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson. Both men spoke Monday, touting Kasich as a leader and a political veteran.
The governor engaged with the many students in the audience by discussing issues of concern to them, such as college affordability and the economy.
“[We need to] restructure loans, but that can’t be done until universities get their prices under control,” Kasich said. “As the [debt] goes up, students’ chances at getting a job go down.”
Connor Fuglestad, a freshman at UW-Madison, was among the students in attendance. Fuglestad supports Kasich for the candidate’s fiscal beliefs and personal attributes.
“I think his economic ideas are the most sound out of every candidate,” Fuglestad said. “I also think he is a genuine person and I appreciate that he wants compromise.”
Kasich criticized his opponents, calling Donald Trump’s plan to block Muslims from crossing the border and Ted Cruz’s proposal to patrol Muslim neighborhoods in response to the Brussels attack “amateur hour.”
He also emphasized the need to work together with different groups to stop the threat of terrorism.
“I want Arabs with me, right next to me,” Kasich said. “Their religion has been hijacked by lunatics and we need to destroy them.”
Although Kasich hasn’t won a state besides Ohio, he remained confident in his battle for the GOP nomination, noting that he performs better in polls against Hillary Clinton than Trump and Cruz.
“I believe if students come and heard me, they would vote for me,” said Kasich.
.@JohnKasich "This isn't the time for personal attacks. This is the time for leadership." pic.twitter.com/LTWA0Vz5OQ
— Cardinal Politics (@CardPolitics) March 28, 2016
