The party had sent out emails alerting supporters to the upcoming formal announcement by Kasich on June 1 in Westerville, a Columbus suburb.
“So it’s with some disappointment that I write to express my concern over the Ohio Republican Party’s apparent support of a candidate for governor prior to the voters’ selection of a nominee,” Coughlin said.
In a written statement, Coughlin said the party needs to find new blood.
“If we keep electing the same old politicians, we’re going to get the same old results. If the Republican Party keeps falling back on old habits and recycling the names from our past, we’re not going to be a significant part of Ohio’s future,” Coughlin said.
Coughlin is a current State Senator from the Cleveland area.
Kasich is a former Congressman from the Columbus area.
Jim.otte@whiotv.com