Former Mississippi Sen. Trent Lott Endorses John Kasich

Former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott is endorsing Ohio Gov. John Kasich to be the next president of the United States.

“I’ve known John Kasich a long time and watched with pride and admiration as, time and again, he’s shown the world what conservative ideas can do to strengthen economies and make our country more secure,” the former Mississippi lawmaker said in a statement Tuesday.

Lott, who served in Congress for 35 years (16 years in the House and 19 in the Senate), pointed to Kasich’s experience on the House Budget Committee and national security positions as central to earning his endorsement.

“We need his keen budget mind in the White House to help get our federal budget reined in,” Lott said. “His long experience on national security and foreign policy is just as critical, and his call for a stronger military—especially a stronger Navy, and better allied relationships will help make our country safer as the world only becomes more dangerous.”

This most recent endorsement comes on the heels of Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley’s endorsement last week. The Kasich campaign is touting the two endorsements from southerners as evidence of the candidate’s “broadening reach.”

“I’m proud to join his team and I look forward to doing all I can to help him take back White House and strengthening our great nation,” added Lott.

Tuesday, Kasich noted that he was humbled by the endorsement.

“Trent is a friend whom I respect and whose leadership has been of enormous benefit to our country,” Kasich said. “He’s got a keen policy mind with experience across the full scope of federal issues and political wisdom that’s been honed in the trenches.  I’m humbled that he’s on our team and excited about the work we’re going to be able to do together to win this race and begin lifting up our nation for everyone.”

Despite the recent endorsements from Lott, Bentley and Former New Hampshire Attorney General Tom Rath, Kasich still faces a crowded Republican primary currently dominated by businessman Donald Trump.

A Public Policy Polling survey released Tuesday had Kasich coming in behind Trump in the New Hampshire primary 11 percent to Trump’s 35 percent.