Despite our state’s referendum on Senate Bill 5, Governor John Kasich is being hailed by his Republican Governor peers as a model for the GOP in 2012.

From Virginia’s Bob McDonnell to Scott Walker of Wisconsin and Nikki Haley of South Carolina, praise was heaped on our governor at the annual conference of the Republican Governor’s Association. The praise is significant, as is Kasich’s influence, to whom ever wins the GOP nomination for president.

As with prior elections, Ohio will be hotly contested and seen as a must-win for any serious presidential candidate. Though Governor Kasich says he’s “not sure” how much campaigning he’ll do for the eventual nominee, you can bet on him providing as much assistance and leadership as he can in 2012.