Kasich takes 'State' speech on the road

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - By JULIE CARR SMYTH, Associated Press

An eastern Ohio city that's been a poster child for the successes and struggles of American manufacturing becomes the first site outside Columbus for a State of the State speech, as Gov. John Kasich prepares to set out his agenda for the coming year.

Kasich is expected to highlight the themes of education and shale gas drilling in Tuesday's address in Steubenville.

Spokesman Rob Nichols said the location highlights the governor's priorities.

He chose Wells Academy, Ohio's top-ranked public elementary school, to bring attention to a school that's hit high achievement marks without a big budget. Steubenville is also the heart of Ohio's shale play, offering Kasich an opportunity to tout gas and oil industry jobs and investment in the state.

Online: Ohio Gov. John Kasich