This in via e-mail from the Ohio Democratic Party:
WEB VIDEO: As Kasich Trots Around with GOP Presidential Hopefuls, Ohio Democratic Party Releases Flashback Footage of Kasich’s 2000 “Soul Brother” Endorsement of George W. Bush
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels Comes to Ohio Tomorrow for Kasich; Pawlenty, Gingrich, Romney Already Visited
COLUMBUS – Today, The Ohio Democratic Party released a new web video that unearths footage of Congressman John Kasich endorsing then-candidate George W. Bush in 2000, after Kasich dropped his own bid for the White House. In the web ad, Kasich, in his own words, aligns himself with President Bush on economic policies that failed Ohio and stated that Bush is his “Soul Brother” who “sees the future of America the same way I do.”
Congressman Kasich has spent much time during this campaign with 2012 GOP presidential hopefuls. Tomorrow, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels – a likely 2012 contender – will come to Cleveland to campaign for Kasich. Other 2012 GOP presidential prospects who have campaigned for Kasich include Tim Pawlenty, Newt Gingrich, Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney. Additionally, Kasich invited George W. Bush’s brother Jeb Bush to campaign for him, although the “Soul Brother” himself has not yet made it.
The web video, “Soul Brothers,” can be seen here.
TRANSCRIPT:
KASICH: Many times when I’d watch the Governor [George Bush] delivering a speech or an interview on television. I swear I could have turned the sound on and put my own voice in there, and so I feel as though I have a soul brother, somebody that, that sees this – a future for our country – the same way that I have… So Governor, I’m very proud to join your team today. I, I can’t find any issues that I have problems with him on. I believe in the way he communicates.
BUSH: Also I’m a firm and fierce advocate of free trade, unfettered free trade.
KASICH: And George Bush’s term of “compassionate conservative” really kind of defines exactly what John Kasich is all about.
REPORTER: What are his chances for getting the vice presidential?
BUSH: They just increased.
KASICH: [Laughs] Oh, man… Like I say, I think we’re soul brothers.
BACKGROUND:
Mitch Daniels To Campaign With Kasich Tomorrow. The Dayton Daily News reported that Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and Congressman Kasich are scheduled to “team up on Thursday, July 22, at 3:30 p.m. for an interactive webcast from the Cleveland area… Daniels also will attend a Cleveland-area fundraiser on Kasich’s behalf on Thursday.” [Dayton Daily News, 7/15/10]
Newt Gingrich Campaigned With Kasich. The Dayton Daily News reported that former House speaker Newt Gingrich was at Sinclair Community College campaigning with John Kasich. When asked about his bid for the 2012 presidential run, Gingrich said, “We’re not focusing on that right now. The goal is to elect Kasich, GOP U.S. Senate candidate Rob Portman and other Republicans in 2010. Nobody should worry about 2012 until we are finished getting the job done in 2010.” [Dayton Daily News, 7/19/10]
Mitt Romney Campaigned for Kasich. The Mansfield News Journal reported that former Masssachusetts governor Mitt Romney made a fundraising and campaign stop in Mansfield for John Kasich. Kasich said, “We’re here to raise money and spread the word.” [Mansfield News Journal, 6/26/10]
Jeb Bush Campaigned With Kasich. The Associated Press reported that former Florida governor and George W. Bush’s brother Jeb Bush campaigned with Kasich on three stops January 12, writing that “Kasich spokesman Rob Nichols says Bush and Kasich will lead an economic development forum in Mason on Tuesday (3/12). Bush also will headline an earlier Republican governors fundraising breakfast in Cincinnati and an evening fund raiser for Kasich.” [Associated Press, 1/11/10]
Mike Huckabee Campaigned With Kasich. HuckPac, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee’s Political Action Committee reported that Mike Huckabee joined John Kasich on Ohio State’s campus in October. [HuckPac, 10/16/09]
Pawlenty Campaigned For Kasich, GOP. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty was keynote speaker at the Ohio Republican Party’s “2009 Leading Ohio Dinner,” a “major GOP fundraiser” according to the Associated Press. Congressmen John Kasich and Rob Portman, candidate for Senate, were also in attendance. [Associated Press, 9/18/09; Columbus Dispatch, 9/20/09]
