COLUMBUS – Ohio Gov. John Kasich has made the cut of 10 for the first Republican debate.
Following Fox News’ announcement Tuesday that he would be among the 10 GOP White House hopefuls taking part, Kasich issued a statement welcoming his fellow participants to Ohio and adding that he looks forward to discussing the issues with the other participants during the first formal debate of the 2016 campaign Thursday night at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland (9:00 p.m./FOX News Channel).
“Given that no Republican has ever won the White House without also winning Ohio, it’s only fitting that the Buckeye State would have this opportunity,” said Ohio Republican party chairman Matt Borges.
Kasich barely made it, claiming the 10th spot on stage based on his average in top national polls.
Missing out are some big names from 2012, including Rick Santorum — the winner of that year’s Iowa caucuses.
Also relegated to a forum taking place hours before the prime-time debate is former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who saw his previous campaign for president come to a halt when he stumbled during a debate in 2011.
The only woman in this year’s GOP field is former technology executive Carly Fiorina, and she, too, won’t be on stage at Thursday’s debate.
Fox selected the 10 candidates who will take part in the debate based on recent national polls.