Couldn't agree more. Building up the GOP at the state level over the last few cycles was critical to Trump's (narrow) victory in this presidential election! Aside fom Michigan, Trump was able to win other upper Midwestern states - Ohio, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana - with GOP state adminisrations. (despite Kasich's lack of help.)
I have been friends with John Kasich ever since he ran for state Senate and later Congressman and Governor. He brought me into the state GOP (although I have not declared an official party allegiance, I can't see voting any other way, at least for now). And I was terribly disappointed in his behavior regarding Trump. I understand his disappointment at not getting a shot at the Presidency, which was always his dream, but, geez, if the breaks don't go your way, suck it up and support your nominee. How much bigger of a win Trump might have had if the party apparatus here and elsewhere would have backed him more vigorously? When you think about it, Trump's win is even more remarkable, because he had to beat the best the 'Rats threw at him, all the mud the mainstream media threw at him, and the lukewarm or outright hostility of his own party. Truly a win for the outsiders and "the forgotten man".