The Latest: Kasich lays out economic plan at Illinois event

CHICAGO (AP) - The Latest on the presidential primaries in Illinois ahead of the Tuesday primary (all times local):

12:20 p.m.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich is laying out his plan to improve the economy during a town hall at a truck manufacturing company in the Chicago suburb of Lisle.

Several hundred people filled the atrium of Navistar Inc. for the first of two events the GOP candidate is holding in Illinois Wednesday. The state holds its primary Tuesday.

Kasich says the key is to reduce regulations on businesses and lower corporate taxes. He says creating a business-friendly environment will help businesses create more and better jobs. Kasich says that's the best way to help poor people improve their lives.

Kasich also says he's optimistic about his chances to pick up delegates in Illinois as well as other upcoming states. And he says he plans to do "my level-best to continue to be positive."

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1:40 a.m.

Donald Trump's rivals are spending millions trying to blunt his momentum and other GOP candidates are looking to put points on the board as the race for president shifts to contests in Illinois and other big states.

The largest prizes next Tuesday are winner-take-all primaries in Ohio and Florida, where the top vote-getter will leave with 66 and 99 delegates, respectively.

Illinois awards its 69 delegates through a two-pronged vote. So Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz could pick up delegates even if Trump, who's leading statewide polls, wins Illinois' presidential preference vote.

That's bringing a flurry of campaigning to the area.

Kasich will hold town halls Wednesday in the Chicago suburbs. Cruz and Trump will deliver speeches here Friday.