John Kasich's super PAC takes shape

Credit: Anthony Shoemaker

Credit: Anthony Shoemaker

Now that Ohio Gov. John Kasich is officially running for president, his nonprofit is becoming a super PAC, Jessica Wehrman is reporting from the Washington Bureau.

New Day for America, a nonprofit that Kasich and his supporters have used to pay for Kasich’s early travels around the campaign trail, is also now formally barred from coordinating with his campaign.

Despite that, it’s adding staff who know Kasich well.

Credit: Anthony Shoemaker

Credit: Anthony Shoemaker

The super PAC announced Friday that it has hired Connie Wehrkamp, a Kasich spokeswoman, as press secretary, Maya Arrieta-Walden as deputy press secretary.

Matt Carle, New Day’s executive director, said Wehrkamp “will play a critical role on our team."

Wehrkamp, an Ohio State graduate, served as communications director last year for Kasich's successful re-election campaign and has also worked as a deputy press secretary for Kasich as governor during his first three years in office. She has also worked for the National Federation of Independent Businesses and the Ohio Senate.

Arrieta-Walden, a Portland, Oregon native, meanwhile, joins the super PAC from Hamilton Place Strategies, a consulting firm, where she worked on issues including trade and financial services.

She also interned for two U.S. senators.

They join New Day executive director Matt Carle, who managed Kasich's re-election campaign; Dave Luketic, who was political director for Kasich’s re-elect campaign, Fred Davis, who has produced two ads that have already aired in New Hampshire and Matt David, who previously worked on presidential campaigns for George W. Bush and John McCain.

As a super PAC, the organization will now be able to independently support or oppose candidates.

About the Author