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Ohio Speech To Draw Crowd, Attention For GOP’s Kasich

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – The city of Marietta is preparing for an influx of officials as Ohio Gov. John Kasich, members of his Cabinet, state lawmakers and others descend on the historic city for his annual State of the State speech.

The governor and Republican presidential contender is scheduled to deliver the address at the Peoples Bank Theatre at 7 p.m. Wednesday. It’s his fifth straight year leaving Columbus for the policy speech.

State Chancellor John Carey is among state leaders holding public events around Marietta and Washington County throughout the day. Two of four state legislative leaders plan to fly with Kasich to the speech.

Senate Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni says it’s the first time Kasich has asked the Democratic leaders to join him. Schiavoni said Tuesday he’s accepted the invite and hopes to discuss issues important to his district and caucus.

Republican Senate President Keith Faber, of Celina, also accepted Kasich’s offer.

House Minority Leader Fred Strahorn of Dayton and Republican House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger of Clarksville declined, saying other travel arrangements were planned.

The speech comes as pressure mounts on Kasich to drop out of the race for the White House. He delivered a third place finish in Tuesday’s Wisconsin primary.

**Watch Governor Kasich’s State of the State Address on WOUB-TV digital channel 20.2 and 44.2 and listen on WOUB-FM or online at woub.org/listen beginning at 7 p.m. ***