ON POLITICS

Kasich, after opposing Trump, to attend inauguration

Jessie Balmert
The Cincinnati Enquirer

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. John Kasich plans to attend the inauguration of his former political rival, President-elect Donald Trump, on Jan. 20.

Kasich will be in Washington on Jan. 19 to participate in a roundtable about health care for Senate Republicans. Kasich has spoken about the benefits of Medicaid expansion in Ohio. He then plans to attend Trump's inauguration the next day, he told reporters Wednesday.

Kasich, a Republican, refused to vote for Trump in the presidential election, saying his behavior reflected poorly on the country. Trump and his campaign were critical of Kasich, Trump's former presidential primary foe, as well. For instance, Trump's former campaign manager said Kasich was embarrassing his state by refusing to enter the Cleveland arena that held July's GOP convention.

Still, Kasich congratulated Trump in November on his win.

Stay with USA TODAY for full coverage of the 2017 inauguration.