Gov. Kasich to boost Illinois Republicans: Helping Kirk, Durkin

WASHINGTON – On the day the GOP convention kicks off in Cleveland on Monday, Ohio Gov. John Kasich will speak to the Illinois delegation as he plans a Chicago trip next month to raise money for fellow Republicans Sen. Mark Kirk and state House Minority Leader Jim Durkin.

Kasich, who folded his GOP president bid, is not endorsing presumptive nominee Donald Trump. He is committed, however, to bolstering other Republicans. In Illinois that’s Kirk, locked in a re-election battle against Democrat Rep. Tammy Duckworth and Durkin, who Kasich “knows is a key ally of Governor Rauner and his efforts to turnaround Illinois,” said Kasich spokesman Chris Schrimpf.

Katich hits Chicago on Aug. 4 for fundraisers for Kirk and Durkin. In addition, Kasich will campaign with Kirk on that day, participating with him at a session with Illinois entrepreneurs.