Kasich targets Cruz in ad as both campaign in New York where Trump leads

BRONX, New York (WABC) -- A number of the presidential candidates visited in New York City Thursday.

The Cruz and Kasich campaigns set up New York moments in delis and bakeries.

It was a friendly crowd greeting Ted Cruz at a Hasidic bakery in Brighton Beach where he made some matzoh for Passover.

Though in general, he hasn't had the warmest of welcomes from New Yorkers, and their now infamous "values".

"Ted Cruz sneered at our New York values. I think most people know exactly what New York values are," said a new ad by Kasich against Cruz.

Thursday night, Ohio Governor Kasich piled on, with polls showing him in second place behind Donald Trump. At an event in Bay Ridge, he said he loves New Yorkers.

"I love the neighborhoods. That's what I love the most about New York," said Gov. John Kasich, (R) Presidential Candidate.

Both men are trying to peel votes, and delegates, away from Donald Trump on his home turf.

Wednesday night Trump made a meal with Cruz's comments, which were after all directed toward him.

"Looking at me, talking about New York values with scorn in his face," Trump said.

After meeting with black business owners Thursday night, Cruz told Eyewitness News his "New York values" comment wasn't directed at New Yorkers, so much as the politicians who represent them.

"But senator, didn't the people elect these politicians?" Eyewitness News Reporter Josh Einiger asked.

"And there are millions of New Yorkers who are suffering under these Democrats and these Democrat policies," Cruz said.

The Texas senator had a rough day campaigning in the Bronx Wednesday, not just facing protesters but also being forced to move an event out of a school after students there threatened to walk out, calling Cruz racist and homophobic.

While Trump remains the closest to the 1,237 delegate target for now, he's not taking it for granted. His campaign announced last week the hiring of Paul Manafort to run his convention effort, including delegate strategy.

Likewise, Trump said he would open a convention-planning office in Washington, D.C., to also house its delegate-selection team.

(Some information from the Associated Press)