Public affairs pros Craig Shirley and Diana Banister haved joined the presidential campaign of incumbent Ohio Gov. John Kasich.

The principals of Shirley & Banister PA will aide the campaign with outreach to national media outreach and thought leaders, particularly in the conservative realm.

John KasichJohn Kasich

Kasich senior advisor for communication, Scott Milburn, said Shirley and Banister were the campaigns first choice to expand its communications team.

Shirley, a veteran strategist and Reagan historian and author, compared Kasich to the Gipper. "His tanacity on pro-growth economic policies, his strong national security credentials and his optimistic, positive vision for the future are the reasons he has done so well in Ohio and why his campaign is attracting growing attention," said Shirley.

Kasich exceeded expectations in the New Hampshire primary this month with an upbeat message that contrasted sharply to many of his rivals and finishing second to Donald Trump. While not expected to be among the leaders in South Carolina Feb. 20, Kasich hopes to build momentum in his home Midwest as the presidential primary campaign moves toward Super Tuesday.