Gov. Kasich keeps 2016 prospects open ahead of visits to NH, SC

COLUMBUS (AP) — Gov. John Kasich says his recent visits to early presidential primary states have felt “pretty good,” though he’s not ready to make any announcements on a potential run for the White House.

The two-term Republican governor heads back to South Carolina and New Hampshire next week as he considers a 2016 presidential bid. He is also scheduled to speak Monday to a meeting of the Detroit Economic Club.

Kasich told reporters today after a Statehouse event that he’s keeping all his options open. He said he’s enjoyed being out to the states and noted it’s been a different experience than the one he had roughly 16 years ago.

Kasich briefly sought the 2000 presidential nomination when then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush emerged as a force in Republican politics.