ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Ohio Gov. John Kasich (KAY'-sihk) is helping raise money for businessman Dave Spence in Missouri's Republican gubernatorial primary.

Spence's campaign said it expects to raise more than $50,000 from a fundraiser Tuesday evening with Kasich at a St. Louis hotel.

But the symbolism could be equally important. Spence campaign manager Jared Craighead said Kasich is the first incumbent Republican governor to help raise money for Spence.

The Republican Governors Association has not officially backed anyone in Missouri's gubernatorial primary. Kansas City attorney Bill Randles also has traveled the state extensively campaigning, but Spence is the only one to have run TV ads.

The winner of the Aug. 7 primary is expected to face Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon in the November election.