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Kasich sworn in for second term at midnight

Andy Chow/Ohio Public Radio

COLUMBUS - At midnight today, Gov. John Kasich renewed his pledge as Ohio’s top executive with his cabinet and a bevy of supporters looking on.

Kasich kept his comments brief - he plans a much bigger ceremonial inauguration later in the day. But Kasich, who’s a possible presidential candidate—repeated his call for Ohio to be a state where people unite—to take care of each other.

“If we can do that—we can begin to renew not just our state but again renew the spirit of our country,” Kasich told supporters in the Ohio House chamber shortly after taking the oath for second term.  I can’t think of a more important mission for the Buckeye State—the great middle of America—really the heart of it all—the new Ohio.”

Kasich goes into his second term after soundly defeating his Democratic opponent—Ed FitzGerald—in November. The size of Kasich’s victory has fueled speculation that he may become a candidate for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.