Republican presidential hopeful John Kasich has indicated that he may drop out of the race for his party's nomination if he doesn't do well in the New Hampshire primary next month, citing the inability to fundraise off poor results.
"If I get smoked in New Hampshire, then you know kind of the ballgame is over...because then it becomes very hard to raise money," Kasich said during an interview on WABC Radio, adding, "But I just don't think that's the way it's going to be."
The Ohio governor has struggled to gain any traction during his bid for the GOP nomination and faces a tough battle in New Hampshire, where he sits in third place with 11.2 percent support, according to RealClear Politics averages of recent polling. However, he's also in a virtual tie in the state with Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Chris Christie and Jeb Bush. The Republican front-runner dominates the state at 30.4 percent, with Marco Rubio in second at a distant 12.8 percent.
Kasich remains confident in the ability of a good showing in New Hampshire -- where he has spent much of his resources -- to transform his campaign. "If we come out of New Hampshire as a major story, I believe I will be the nominee," Kasich said in the interview. "Because over time, experience, reform, accomplishments and knowing how to fix the country will matter."
Before getting to New Hampshire, Kasich will first have to endure Iowa where, according to RealClear Politics averages, he currently is tied for eighth place with Mike Huckabee at 2.8 percent and is only ahead of Carly Fiorina and Rick Santorum. Nationally, he is in eighth place, with just 2.3 percent support.
When asked during the interview about becoming a running mate to the eventual nominee because of Ohio's status as a key battleground state, he flatly said, "I'm not interested," The Hill reported.
