Republicans pin their hopes on Kasich to be the ‘Trump Killer’

SLIGHT of build and soft of voice, he is the mirror image of his brash billionaire opponent. But as mainstream Republicans try to steer their party away from meltdown, Ohio governor John Kasich has acquired the unlikely title of “Trump Killer”.

The 63-year-old career politician has emerged as a final hope for the party establishment, after a victory over Mr Trump last week in his home state, where his 11-point victory margin exceeded all expectations.

Now, millions of dollars are pouring into the campaign of a man who barely registered in the race – although the “Trump Killer” tag may be premature.

Mr Kasich has no chance of overhauling Mr Trump at the ballot box, as he is already too far behind. Instead, party grandees hope he will slow the Trump juggernaut, particularly in “rust belt” states such as Pennsylvania where Mr Kasich, a postman’s son, appeals to the same working-class voters who might otherwise vote for Trump.

During the televised Republican debates in recent months he was a peripheral figure. He didn’t complain, politely waiting his turn and ignoring the hate-mongering of other candidates. Then he would speak about “hope” and “decency” and outline his long record of public service. That kept him out of the headlines – but also spared him the maulings meted out by Mr Trump to rivals such as Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, who dropped out of the race last week.

With the race thinning, Republican voters have started listening to Mr Kasich. Especially last week when he evoked Ronald Reagan, the man considered by Republicans of all shades to be their last real leader in the Oval Office. “I was there when Ronald Reagan re- built the military, when Ronald Reagan rebuilt the economy,” Mr Kasich said. “I knew Ronald Reagan, I worked with him … You can figure the rest out.” Last week, Michael Reagan, the late president’s son, said Mr Kasich was the man to “continue my father’s great legacy”.

Much as Mr Kasich may please moderate Republicans, the maths in the race for the nomination, which award delegates to each candidate based on the popular vote, do not favour him. Mr Trump needs 1,237 delegates to be the automatic nominee when delegates gather at the Republican national convention in July. He has 678, Texas senator Ted Cruz 423, and Mr Kasich 143.

If Mr Trump fails to reach 1,237 then the delegates can vote for whoever they like at the convention.

Many believe that could be Mr Kasich, the man polls suggest would fare best in a general election match-up against Hillary Clinton.