John Kasich's LeBron gaffe could cost him the governor's race
Jun 23, 2010, 10:00 AM EST
First, you have to give John Kasich points for not being a pandering schmuck when it comes to the issue of keeping LeBron James in Cleveland. The Republican gubernatorial candidate is right, of course, when he says that Ohio has bigger problems than worrying about whether James stays with the Cavs. But then you have to take those points away for stupidity. Kasich’s comments about James on Alan Colmes’ Fox Radio show on June 17 were tactically short-sighted; a bone-headed play for someone claiming he’s sharp enough to take the state’s top elected office.
Colmes asked Kasich if he would be joining “the chorus to keep James in Cleveland.”
“I’m not singing in any chorus for LeBron James,” Kasich said.
Oops. Kasich needs a re-do! More from the Cleveland Plain Dealer:
Colmes: “You’re not?”
Kasich: “No, I’m not. Look, he’s a great basketball player, he’s a great guy. There’s a lot of great people in Ohio.”
Before that, Colmes asked Kasich if he were governor, what he would do to help persuade James to stay in Ohio.
“Alan, we’ve lost 400,000 jobs out here and the last guy I worry about is LeBron James. You know I mean, we all hope he’ll stay in Cleveland. We think we’ve got a great guy there that can turn everything around, but we got some serious problems,” Kasich said.
That was just the opening that Ted Strickland, Kasich’s Democratic incumbent opponent, needed. Strickland’s campaign quickly put up the Ohioans Against LeBron web site, which claims Kasich (pictured) as its only member. It’s good to have fresh ideas, but you know the old saying: In politics, nothing beats a good Photoshop and a YouTube parody video.
Of course Stickland’s staff has also figured out how to use the issue to highlight one of Kasich’s real weaknesses; his ties to Wall Street.
“LeBron isn’t just a basketball star and Ohio icon, he’s a huge economic driver for the Cleveland area,” said Democratic Party spokesman Seth Bringman. “But it shouldn’t come as a surprise that John Kasich doesn’t mind if LeBron goes to New York, considering all the time he spent on Wall Street.”
Ooh, that hurts. Of course as You Been Blinded points out, LeBron should make his decision in July, and the election isn’t until November. But in a race where poll numbers show the two in a virtual tie, and only 8 percent of the electorate still undecided, fallout from his issue actually could decide things.
Of course they could just make LeBron governor and all problems would be solved.
***
Ohioans against LeBron [Official Site]
John Kasich not joining the chorus begging LeBron James to stay [Cleveland Plain Dealer]
LeBron James Could Swing Ohio Gubernatorial Election [You Been Blinded]
Democrats make light of John Kasich’s refusal to join the LeBron chorus [Cleveland Plain Dealer]
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- Ohioan Voters - Jul 15, 2010 at 3:28 PM
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Forget about basketball players.
The truth is that John Kasich clearly does NOT have the courage, integrity, leadership qualities, or the common sense needed to be a suitable Governor for Ohio.
Refer to the irrefutable and overwhelming evidence at http://NotKasich.com and http://ABCsOfBetrayal.com
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- Nancy - Jul 17, 2010 at 7:16 PM
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I think he has a lot of integrity and leadership qualities; and, he darn sure knows how to balance a budget and cut spending – both job creaters in the private sector. We need more people in government like Mr Kasich before we drown in our own stupidity.
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- Keith Jackson - Jul 19, 2010 at 9:29 PM
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I think the focus should be on jobs for Ohio and unemployment and not Lebron James! He’s in Miami with D-Wade & Chris Bosh and loving it down there! Yet, to some people and the state of Ohio everywhere, he’s the biggest and best there ever was! And, just like John Kasich stated earlier, he’s got more important things to worry about than Mr. James himself!
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- bld1960blf - Jul 20, 2010 at 11:48 PM
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I have known john since his snot-nosed green days in the ohio house of reps. years ago. he never attended committee hearings, committee votes, floor sessions, or actually showed up at his office much at all. he HAD THE WORST ATTENDANCE RECORD OF ALL. i worked there. he was the joke of the legislature. he got elected on his looks, not his skills. and has been swept into the right wing republican agenda. easily too i might add. he’s a pretty boy, and charismatic. but there is no substance there. just as before. he is a mouthpiece for the republicans. AND A HANDSOME ONE, AT THAT. LOL. check your facts. he’s road the coattails of GEORGE BUSH 1, GEORGE BUSH 2, AND. well i’m sure you know, FOR YEARS. Good luck. I’m spreading the word on what i know for a fact. He’s useless, but pretty.
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- OhioanVoters - Jul 31, 2010 at 4:23 PM
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Nancy:
You need to have the courage to accept the truth that John Kasich clearly does NOT have the courage, integrity, leadership qualities, or the common sense needed to be a suitable Governor for Ohio.
Did you even read the facts as given at http://NotKasich.com?
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- OhioanVoters - Jul 31, 2010 at 4:28 PM
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bld1960:
Forget about the looks (?), John Kasich is a coward who is easily manipulated and cowers down to those who deliberatel put children at risk with child molesters: http://NotKasich.com
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- snapperhead - Aug 15, 2010 at 4:00 PM
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John and Jesus will bring jobs to Ohio…So just pray…
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- moncler roma - Oct 17, 2010 at 6:02 PM
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It is sure that John and Jesus will bring jobs to Ohio.jajaja
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