Story highlights John Kasich says he'll continue his campaign unless he's "smoked" in New Hampshire's primary

Kasich said he's "not a celebrity candidate," though those candidates have dominated the GOP race

(CNN) Republican John Kasich says his campaign will be in strong shape after the New Hampshire presidential primary "unless everything I know about politics" is wrong.

The Ohio governor told CNN's Dana Bash in an interview alongside his wife and two daughters that he is optimistic ahead of the Granite State primary on February 9.

"I'm really, really positive," Kasich said. "Up 'til now, you know, the celebrity candidates have been the story. I'm not a celebrity candidate."

He said he would drop out of the race if he falters there.

"If I get smoked here I'm not gonna carry on a fairy tale," Kasich said.

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