Ohio Gov. John Kasich to visit South Carolina

Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R), often mentioned as a possible 2016 presidential candidate, will travel to early primary state South Carolina next week, The Washington Post reported Wednesday.

He will meet with local officials and party members. The newspaper reported he will also hold a public event during the trip.

The Feb. 18-19 visit to the state is reportedly being organized by a nonprofit group, Balanced Budget Forever, led by Kasich associates.

{mosads}It will be Kasich’s first visit to a state with an early nominating contest this year.

Kasich backs a constitutional balanced budget amendment and has been promoting the idea around the country.

The Ohio governor, who was reelected last year, is one of many possible GOP candidates for the 2016 race — including several current and former governors.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has been moving aggressively to build out a campaign apparatus and lock down donors before he makes a formal announcement.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is also considering a run and would likely compete with Bush for donors and support from the Republican establishment.