Journalists at two national publications claim that Gov. John Hickenlooper and Ohio Gov. John Kasich are considering an independent election run for U.S. president together in 2020.
The news sites Axios and CNN both have stories about the possibility this morning based on anonymous sourcing.
Hickenlooper is a Democrat and Kasich is a Republican, meaning such a run would be a "unity" bid.
CNN claims that a "source involved with the discussions" has confirmed that the two governors "have entertained the idea." The "idea of a joint ticket has been discussed, but not at an organizational or planning level," the source reportedly told CNN.
Mike Allen, a veteran politics journalist with Axios, was first to report on the possibility today, based on his own anonymous source. He reports that "the Johns" want to focus on health care, immigration and job creation, with a particular focus on the threat of automation to the jobs market.
Allen reports that Hickenlooper would likely be running for vice president in such a scenario, with Kasich on top of the ticket.
The two governors already are preparing to release a joint proposal to reform the country's health insurance markets. A spokesperson for Hickenlooper could not immediately provide a comment.
Allen also reports that they might start a podcast together.
