Veteran Texas Strategist Joins Ohio Governor's 2016 Campaign-in-Waiting

A veteran Republican strategist from Texas has signed on with Ohio Gov. John Kasich's nascent presidential campaign, adding more talent from the Lone Star State to the 2016 race. 

John Weaver, who is based in Austin, has been hired by Kasich's political team, Kasich spokesman Chris Schrimpf confirmed Wednesday morning. Weaver is expected to work for New Day for America, a nonprofit laying the groundwork for a potential 2016 run by Kasich.

Weaver previously has worked on the presidential campaigns of U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman. A native of Kermit and graduate of Texas A&M University, Weaver is part of a group of GOP operatives who vaulted onto the national stage after cutting their teeth in Lone Star State politics.

Weaver's hire was the latest sign Kasich is ramping up for a possible 2016 campaign. Kasich, who is polling near the bottom of the GOP field, would likely need to announce his intentions before the first primary debate, which is scheduled for Aug. 6 in his home state.

The Washington Post first reported late Tuesday that Weaver was joining Kasich's team. Fred Davis, a veteran ad maker based in California, also has been hired by Kasich, the newspaper said.

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