By Steve Peoples

Associated Press

WASHINGTON – Allies of Ohio Gov. John Kasich said they have raised more than $11.5 million to help jumpstart the Republican’s 2016 presidential bid.

The two-term governor plans to announce his candidacy later in the month.

New Day for America is the group supporting Kasich’s White House ambitions. It said Friday it raised more than $11.5 million in just over eight weeks. That’s in line with several better-known Republican presidential contenders, though former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s team on Thursday announced a fundraising haul exceeding $114 million.

New Day for America leader Matt Carle says the group’s total exceeded goals by $1 million.

This is Kasich’s second presidential bid. He ran in 2000 before bowing out to Bush’s older brother.