Ohio Senate Race: Kasich Out, 2 Gov. Hopefuls Ponder Jumping In

With Ohio Republicans still reeling over State Treasurer Josh Mandel's surprise exit Friday afternoon from the 2018 U.S. Senate race, the weekend was expected to bring some fresh developments in their sudden search to recruit a heavyweight opponent to Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown.

Newsmax learned Friday night that term-limited Gov. John Kasich was telling friends in no uncertain terms he was not running for the Senate and hinting at another run for president in 2020.

In addition, Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor and Rep. Jim Renacci were expected to hold meetings over the weekend to determine whether to switch from their present candidacies for governor to a Senate race.

In sharp contrast to "Never Trump-er" Kasich, both Taylor and Renacci were strong supporters of Trump in the fall. He carried the Buckeye State with 52 percent of the vote.