Ohio gov: ‘America’s stronger’ united

Gov. John Kasich (R-Ohio) on Sunday called on law enforcement and the communities they serve to seek common ground for America’s greater good.

{mosads}“The whole goal is to integrate police into the community,” Kasich argued on “Fox News Sunday.”

“At the end of the day, everyone has the same goals,” he told host Chris Wallace, citing freedom from crime, drugs and violence.

Kasich added that closer ties between police and citizens creates a better nation overall. Well-established civil order, he claimed, allowed for higher economic growth.

“America’s strongest when we’re united rather than when we’re divided,” Kasich said.

“At the end of the day, everyone has to be lifted and feel they are part of America and part of economic gains,” he added.

Kasich’s remarks come as he weighs a potential 2016 GOP presidential campaign. The governor sought the Oval Office in a failed 2000 bid.

“It’s a little bit different this time,” Kasich said on Sunday, comparing a potential run now with his previous attempt then.

“We think we’re off to a pretty good start,” he said, citing a committee he recently formed for exploring his presidential options.

“The message is working and we’re bringing people together,” the governor added.

Kasich on Sunday would not predict how likely his official bid was. He told Wallace he would rather keep his cards close to his chest.

“I don’t do odds,” he admitted. “I find they never work out really well.”

“If it goes well great, and if it doesn’t, I would be disappointed,” he said of a possible campaign.

Kasich was responding to the death of Baltimore resident Freddie Gray, 25, on April 19. Six police officers were charged on Friday for alleged roles in his death.

Gray passed away following a fatal spinal injury suffered while in police custody. He was originally arrested on April 12.