John Kasich Campaigns in Plymouth to Packed Hall

Republican presidential candidate John Kasich addresses citizens at a town hall session in Plymouth Monday

PLYMOUTH – Presidential politics descended on Plymouth Monday afternoon as Republican candidate John Kasich held a campaign stop at Memorial Hall ahead of Tuesday’s Massachusetts Primary.

In the town hall session, the Ohio Governor criticized the negativity of the current political landscape. Kasich said he would rather lose the election than degrade himself to the status quo, adding that a positive message can carry the day.

Kasich called Massachusetts a “very important” state for his campaign, and said he hopes to earn a “respectable” amount of delegates. Kasich downplayed expectations of a victory, saying his camp never expected to win the state.

“We didn’t really get attention for six months until New Hampshire so people are really just beginning to find out about me,” he said. “But, boy, I’ll tell you, the ones that are for me are passionate.”

Kasich called on the community to come together to respond to the opioid crisis in Massachusetts, saying it was the only way to curb drug abuse. “You’re going to solve it, if you want to,” Kasich said, adding that he would support funding for anti-drug programs.

In an interview with the CapeCod.com NewsCenter, Kasich said he had spoken with Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker about a potential endorsement ahead of the primary, but said Baker’s camp would “let us know when they make a decision.” Baker endorsed New Jersey Governor Chris Christie before the New Hampshire primary and has not endorsed any other candidates since Christie suspended his campaign.

Christie this past week endorsed front-runner Donald Trump. Baker has indicated that he does not plan to vote for Trump.

The Plymouth event was the third town hall session Kasich has held in Massachusetts. His campaign also made stops in Springfield and Worcester.

“We hope to have a good finish here,” he said.

Kasich campaigned in Vermont earlier on Monday, holding an event at Castleton State College.

By MATT McCARTHY and ADAM FORZIATI, CapeCod.com NewsCenter