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The Kasich campaign is open about its intention to duke it out at the convention in Cleveland. | AP Photo Kasich campaign accuses Cruz team of bad faith

A top strategist for Ohio Gov. John Kasich accused Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s campaign on Friday of being “disingenuous” about discussions between the two GOP rivals over how best to deny Donald Trump the required 1,237 delegates need to win the Republican presidential nomination.

Cruz has questioned Kasich's motivations for staying in the race, accusing him of playing the role of "spoiler" because it is mathematically impossible for the Ohio governor to win the nomination outright. "A vote for John Kasich is a vote for Donald Trump," Cruz told reporters on Saturday.

The Kasich campaign, meanwhile, is open about its intention to duke it out at the convention in Cleveland, and insists that upcoming contests like Pennsylvania make for favorable terrain.

A detailed analysis published Friday on the prediction website FiveThirtyEight.com supports the case for cooperation, arguing that only by working together can Cruz and Kasich stop Trump.

"[I]f they want to thwart Trump, their only hope may be to coordinate a last-ditch, two-front assault on the front-runner," analyst David Wasserman wrote. "If they don’t start divvying up turf, Trump is much more likely to prevail on the first ballot in Cleveland."

Cruz camp is disingenuous about division of targeting re: Trump. On multiple levels, Cruz camp has reached out to us (and vice versa) 1/5 — John Weaver (@JWGOP) March 25, 2016

to ensure Trump is denied 1,237. They know what we know: only path to nomination for Cruz or us is through open convention. Only action 2/5 — John Weaver (@JWGOP) March 25, 2016

to date has been unilateral by us re: AZ (which they knew in advance). Even Mitt has urged Cruz to work with us! To no avail. As usual, 3/5 — John Weaver (@JWGOP) March 25, 2016

they want it both ways, appearance of attempt to work together/victim, but no action. To question @JohnKasich motivation is underhanded, 4/5 — John Weaver (@JWGOP) March 25, 2016

and opposite of what they say in private. Facts are JK best positioned in most states moving forward & in general election. #stopvicitimact — John Weaver (@JWGOP) March 25, 2016

Weaver also called on Cruz and Trump to join Kasich at a “Town Hall style debate” on April 3, two days before the critical Wisconsin primary:

Working with @FoxNews for a Town Hall style debate April 3rd. Hope Cruz & Tump accept. We have. #Popcorntime — John Weaver (@JWGOP) March 25, 2016

The Cruz campaign and Fox News did not immediately respond to requests for comment.