Chris Christie Megadonor Jumps To Team Kasich

Ohio Gov. John Kasich may have bought himself some more time in the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

He has secured the support of billionaire megadonor and Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone, who previously backed New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's presidential bid, Politico reported Thursday.

Langone's support is welcome news for Kasich, whose fundraising pace has trailed that of his rivals. Kasich's campaign raised over $7.5 million through Dec. 31, while his two super PACs raised a combined $18 million through the same period. In comparison, the presidential campaign of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz raised nearly $20 million through Dec. 31.

The Ohio governor's surprising second-place finish in the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday will likely appeal to other establishment-minded GOP donors, adding to the wind in his sails.

However, Kasich faces some immediate challenges that could threaten to sink his campaign during what is shaping up to be a drawn-out battle for the GOP nomination. The governor currently polls at barely 2 percent in South Carolina, whose primary is just days away. Even more worrying for Kasich: As soon as the Palmetto State's primary is over, he'll have to face others across the South -- where he is less popular with conservatives than Cruz or real estate mogul Donald Trump, the current front-runner in the race.

Kasich's campaign has already signaled it is turning its attention to more favorable ground. The presidential hopeful is scheduled to speak at a town hall in Michigan next week -- two days before the South Carolina primary.

Paul Blumenthal contributed to this report.

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