Dick Armey backs Kasich

by Jesse Byrnes - 10/26/15 4:10 PM ET

Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas) is backing John Kasich’s 2016 presidential bid, the Ohio governor’s campaign announced Monday.

“He’s a guy who gets things done, works well with other people, stays focused on the needs of the country and is never distracted by some personal political ambition,” Armey said in a video released by Kasich’s campaign.

{mosads}Armey served as majority leader from 1995 to 2003, overlapping with some of Kasich’s time in the House, and later led the conservative group FreedomWorks.

“Dick was a great leader and partner and helped us clear so many hurdles by simply standing strong and calling it like it was,” Kasich said of Armey’s service in the House.

Kasich has locked up other top Republican endorsements, including from former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss), who could help attract Southern voters.

Tags 2016 GOP presidential race Dick Armey John Kasich