Tonight he made it official in Steubenville when he addressed Jefferson County's Republicans at the annual Lincoln Day Dinner at the Steubenville Country Club.

During his speech, Kasich called on Ohio to abolish its death tax and to eventually phase out the state's income tax. He said elected officials are punishing successful rich people in Ohio. He says many people are leaving Ohio for places like Florida and Texas.

Kasich also condemned the states education system by saying it must do better to educate students in the Buckeye State. Kasich says there is not enough skilled workforce in Ohio.

Kasich, who grew up in nearby McKees Rocks Pennsylvania was a former Ohio Congressman from 1983 to 2001 when he was re-elected eight times. The Republican is now a television show host for FOX News Channel.