MANCHESTER, N.H. – Voting is underway in New Hampshire and Ohio Gov. John Kasich took an early lead in the nation’s first primary of this presidential election year.
Meanwhile, one of the leading Democratic candidates is taking aim at Kasich’s home state, where early primary voting begins next week.
In the tiny town of Dixville, which votes at midnight on primary day, Kasich sneaked past Donald Trump, 3 votes to 2, among Republicans.
Kasich’s campaign says the governor called each of the town’s voters to thank them personally.
“It is an honor to earn the support of people who celebrate democracy as faithfully and famously as the voters in Dixville Notch,” Kasich said in a statement released after the polls closed, which only a few minutes after they opened. “New Hampshire rewards hard work and a positive campaign and that defines what our team has done here.”
Speaking to MSNBC’s Morning Joe Tuesday, Kasich said he expects a “strong finish” in New Hampshire, but emphasized his wishes to maintain a positive campaign that promotes job creation and economic prosperity for the American people.
Independent voters, officially known as “undeclared,” make up 44 percent of registered voters. They can vote in either primary, making them a key group today and one which Kasich has tried hard to win over with his positive campaign message.
He has four campaign events scheduled today.
Democrat Hillary Clinton’s campaign says her daughter, Chelsea, plans to stop in Bexley and Cleveland on Monday to talk to Ohioans about her mother and what’s at stake in the state’s March 15 primary.
Chelsea Clinton is expected to raise money during a reception, which could cost donors anywhere from $500 to $2,700 each to attend, at a private home in Bexley.
Chelsea Clinton’s swing through Ohio comes as early voting for the primary begins on Feb. 17.