Ex-Obama Official Ray LaHood Endorses Kasich

 Former Obama administration official and Illinois Republican Rep. Ray LaHood has endorsed John Kasich for the Republican presidential nomination.

"I served alongside John Kasich in Congress when he was chairman of the budget committee and led the way to balance the federal budget," LaHood said in a statement released Friday by the Kasich campaign. "I have always admired his ability to bring people together to get things done.

"His record of results is unmatched in this field, and I am certain that he is the best leader to unite our nation," he said.

LaHood served as President Barack Obama transportation secretary from 2009 to 2013. He represented the Land of Lincoln in Congress between 1995 and 2009.

"I have known Ray for many years and respect his dedication to serving our country," the Ohio governor said in the statement. "I'm grateful for his support as we expand our ground operations in Illinois."

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