Kasich low on visibility in debate, but makes his point

SIMI VALLEY, CALIF.

While Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s face-time on CNN’s Republican presidential debate hasn’t been much, he was able to hit on his talking points.

Kasich said he helped balance the federal budget and cut taxes when he was in the U.S. House, and during his time as governor the state grew 300,000 jobs and turned an $8 million deficit into a $2 billion surplus.

“I’m the only one here to do it in both places,” he said.

Kasich said he’s not interested in criticizing the 10 other Republican candidates on the stage with him, and was more focused on letting people not familiar with him know about his accomplishments.

“I’m from Ohio, [Hillary Clinton] won’t beat me there,” Kasich said with conviction.

Kasich had two moments in which he repeated those accomplishments after going nearly 30 minutes without being involved in the debate.

At one time, he tried to speak, but was cut off by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.