The already crowded field of GOP White House contenders has welcomed yet another "notable Republican" as Ohio Gov. John Kasich declared his candidacy on Tuesday morning.

The former congressman made his announcement at Ohio State University, where he studied political science in the 1970s, the Associated Press reported. In a recently released video from his political-action committee, Kasich himself had acknowledged that his political party was not suffering from a shortage of viable 2016 candidates.

"How did we end up with 20 people running for president?" he wondered as he touted his experience with the federal budget and national security, as well as his local leadership. "Of all those people running, there's not one that has experience in all those critical three areas." 

Ohio's fame as a maker of presidents and must-win for Republican White House hopefuls may be an advantage for the 63-year-old politician, Yahoo News noted. But for the time being, his poll numbers are not strong enough to guarantee him a spot in the GOP's first presidential debate, which is scheduled to be held in his home state in early August.

What sets Kasich apart from his competitors is his unique -- and sometimes abrasive -- personality, the AP judged. The former House Budget chairman and investment executive once told lobbyists to "get on his bus" or be run over and on another occasion called a police officer an "idiot."

But the candidate's advisers say Kasich's bluntness appeals to frustrated voters looking to shake up the Washington establishment, Politico said.

"Even when voters disagree with him, they respect his willingness to speak truthfully about his views," said Chris Schrimpf, a Kasich spokesman. "Many wind up thanking him for being so refreshing."

And former Rep. Doug Ose, a California Republican who served with Kasich, called the governor's manners "refreshing." Ose said, "There's no question that John is very direct. He doesn't waste anyone's time."