Kasich has 3% support, consistently below even Christie. Until I see something more interesting from him, I'm not worried about him as Plan B because he's not likable or effective on the campaign trail.
In Kasich's re-election as Governor of OH, he was quite vulnerable. He's all in for his deep pocket sponsors and doesn't do anything to stand up for conservative principles. There hasn't been much trickle down to communities or economic improvement for OH residents. There's a surplus of billions in the OH treasury, just waiting for the next annoying construction project.
The dems ran a poorly vetted, flawed to the point of being laughable candidate. And you know what? Kasich upped his game and ran a brilliant campaign with great timing and enthusiasm. He won areas where Romney refused to run.
I can't think of any issue where Kasich has stood by US citizens and lessening government's stranglehold over our lives.