Ohio Governor Kasich Won’t Rule Out 2016

Governor John Kasich isn’t taking a pledge to serve four years if he’s reelected as Ohio’s governor this year. And he won’t categorically say he isn’t interested in a White House run. (h/t Political Wire).

Mr. Kasich is seen as a possible contender for the GOP nomination if re-elected this November. His political profile contrasts with another Midwestern governor who is talked about for president, Wisconsin’s Scott Walker, who has taken more traditional Republican positions. For instance, he stuck by his effort to restrict collective bargaining rights in the face of intense opposition of his own.

As he has before, Mr. Kasich said he wasn’t interested in running for president in 2016, but declined to rule it out. He hasn’t signed a pledge put forth by his opponent, Cuyahoga County executive Ed Fitzgerald to serve the full four year-term if re-elected.

On Sunday, he called the pledge “silly politics” and tried to turn discussion back to his accomplishments. When host Chris Wallace pressed him, he declined to rule out a 2016 run.

“I’m flattered about the fact that people talk about my running for president,” he said. “You know, I tried to run for president in the 2000 election, and nobody would pay any attention. Now … all I’m focused on is Ohio, and everybody wants to talk about something else.”

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.