Ingress was designed by people who worked on Google Maps and now have their own company. If I recall correctly they culled a lot of their ideas from a Finnish group who was doing something similar (http://www.engadget.com/2013/09/20/shadow-cities-closing-down-october-7/).

Kasich is an interesting suggestion. I haven't seen anything that would indicate that he has a serious chance (it's mainly Trump, Carson, and Bush). But I'll keep a closer eye on this candidate on your suggestion.