Republican presidential hopeful John Kasich is one of those candidates who is still looking for a break-out moment in the race for the GOP nod.

The governor from Ohio, who hasn’t enjoyed the same publicity as some of the other candidates, has yet to spend a great deal of time campaigning in Iowa — a state that is usually flooded with candidates early in the election cycle.

Kasich announced his “Iowa Leadership Team” late last month, listing 28 Iowans endorsing the Ohio governor. Khayree Fitten, senior in political science and Students for Kasich chairman, was included on the list. 

“[Kasich] is going to continue to make efforts in the state so people hear his message,” Fitten said.“When that gets out he is very convincing, and it shows why he is the best qualified to be the next president.”

State Rep. Mary Ann Hanusa, R-Council Bluffs, a former aide to presidents George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush, is also on the leadership team.

Kasich respects Iowa and the role it plays in the nominative process, Fitten said, but each candidate only has so much time, limiting how and where they campaign.

After the CNBC debate in Colorado, 10 GOP candidates attended the Republican Party of Iowa’s Growth and Opportunity Party in Des Moines, but scheduling conflicts kept Kaisch out west. However, Kasich was able to make two stops last week to speak at events in Des Moines and Davenport.

James Theobald, sophomore in political science, said he hopes that voters will focus less on polls and the horse race and more on the issues. He thinks Kasich has the right ideas when it comes to issues such as the economy. 

“He’s been there and done that,“ Theobald said, noting Kasich’s experience. “The government has a real problem with its debt, and I like his ideas on how to fix it.”

Kasich will be one of eight candidates participating in Tuesday night’s primetime GOP debate, as he is polling above 2.5 percent nationally to make the cut.

In the last debate, Kasich touted his own experience and warned voters about electing someone unproven and undisciplined.

Students for Kasich will host a watch party at Pizza Pit in Ames, as the Ohio governor looks to stand out among the candidates during the debate.

The ISU group is just getting started on campus and is hoping to familiarize people with the governor’s message, said Benjamin Crawford, senior in mechanical engineering and president of the group. 

“We’re going to continue to try to get our word out to people here on campus,” Fitten said. “If we are lucky enough that he is the nominee, it will be important that we have the support and infrastructure to make sure that he can win [Iowa] next November.”