In Columbus Tuesday, Ohio Governor John Kasich made a long-expected announcement:
"I am here to ask you for your prayers, for your support, for your efforts because I have decided to run for President of the United States," Kasich said.
The official announcement came during an event lasting more than an hour at his alma mater --The Ohio State University-- featuring speakers including former U.S. Senator from New Hampshire John Sununu.
Kasich's speech laid-out his political career, with much attention on his time in the U.S. House of Representatives and as chair of the House Budget Committee.
"I have the experience and the testing which shapes you and prepares you for the most important job in the world, and I believe I know how to work and help restore this great United States and I have to tell you it's a daunting challenge," Kasich said.
Kasich enters a crowded GOP primary field, being one of at least 16 announced candidates.
Poll numbers for Kasich have left him low in the field.
He needs to rank among the top ten candidates to be eligible for the first primary debate in Cleveland next month.
