Republican presidential candidate John Kasich speaks at the Minneapolis Club...

Republican presidential candidate John Kasich speaks at the Minneapolis Club in Minneapolis on  March 22, 2016. Kasich became the second candidate, after Donald Trump, to commit to attending the New York State Republican Committee gala on April 14. Credit: TNS / Glen Stubbe

Ohio Gov. John Kasich has become the second presidential candidate to commit to attending the New York State Republican Committee gala on April 14, just five days before what’s becoming a key primary in the race for the party’s nomination.

Donald Trump, the GOP front-runner, previously committed to the event, set for the Grand Hyatt in Manhattan. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), running second to Trump, hasn’t indicated whether he’ll attend.

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Ohio Gov. John Kasich has become the second presidential candidate to commit to attending the New York State Republican Committee gala on April 14, just five days before what’s becoming a key primary in the race for the party’s nomination.

Donald Trump, the GOP front-runner, previously committed to the event, set for the Grand Hyatt in Manhattan. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), running second to Trump, hasn’t indicated whether he’ll attend.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Governor Kasich to our gala where he will be able to speak directly to rank-and-file Republicans who attend this event from across the state,” said GOP Chairman Ed Cox. “The attendance of two presidential candidates at our annual event proves New York is finally getting its moment in the primary process, and it’s the voters who will benefit most. This year’s event will be one for the history books.”

A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Newsday Staff

'I'm going to try to avoid it' A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.