, @Joe_Gerth –

Cruz, Kasich join forces to try to defeat Trump

Ted Cruz will focus on Indiana while John Kasich turns his attention to New Mexico and Oregon.

Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz is scheduled to speak at Huber’s Orchard and Winery at 10:30 a.m. Monday.

Cruz has joined forces with fellow candidate John Kasich, Ohio’s governor, in a bid to prevent Donald Trump from winning the GOP presidential nomination.

Cruz’s campaign released this statement Sunday:

“Having Donald Trump at the top of the ticket in November would be a sure disaster for Republicans. Not only would Trump get blown out by Clinton or Sanders, but having him as our nominee would set the party back a generation. To ensure that we nominate a Republican who can unify the Republican Party and win in November, our campaign will focus its time and resources in Indiana and in turn clear the path for Gov. Kasich to compete in Oregon and New Mexico, and we would hope that allies of both campaigns would follow our lead. In other states holding their elections for the remainder of the primary season, our campaign will continue to compete vigorously to win.”

The event, at the winery’s Plantation Hall, is free. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

Indiana’s presidential primary is May 3.