As Kasich bows out, Valley GOP leaders react to Trump's triumph

COLUMBUS

With billionaire businessman Donald Trump heading toward the needed number of delegates to secure the Republican presidential nomination, Gov. John Kasich, a distant fourth in a two-man race, ended his long-shot bid.

Kasich made the announcement at a press event here today, less than one day after vowing to remain in the race after another Trump victory, this time in Indiana. That Trump win led U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, second in the number of delegates but with no chance to win enough in the remaining primary states, also to withdraw.

Kasich made only one reference to his exit from the race, and that was at the end of his speech, shortly before he left without taking questions from reporters.

“I have always said that the Lord has a purpose for me, as he does for everyone, and as I suspend my campaign today, I have renewed faith, deeper faith, that the Lord will show me the way forward and fulfill the purpose of my life,” he said.

Mahoning Valley Republican leaders said Trump needs to dial back his bombastic style and be more careful what he says now that he is the party’s presumptive presidential nominee.

“I’m backing him, but you’d wish he’d say things differently,” said Randy Law, Trumbull County Republican Party chairman.

Read more local reaction to Trump's triumph in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.