The Kasich Key to Budget Problems: Can It Work for Ohio?

An excellent background story in today's issue of The Columbus Dispatch recounts Ohio gubernatorial candidate John Kasich's essential role in crafting the 1997 federal balanced-budget agreement. Leveraging his experiences as a budget balancer and negotiator at the federal level could define his Ohio candidacy and drive a successful campaign.

As the Dispatch story points out, Ohio voters will be asking what magic Kasich (or anyone) can weave to plug a $7 billion gap in the 2011-2013 biennial budget.  It is alarming to contemplate that this gap is 20 percent of the $34 billion the state expects to collect in taxes during these two years.  What might Kasich offer to resolve the Buckeye state's crisis that current Gov. Ted Strickland doesn't already have in his arsenal of ideas.  Many think it's a good bet that Kasich would peform radical surgery on Ohio agencies and programs.  This would be consistent with his 1997 mindset in proposing to eliminate 17 federal agencies and nearly 300 programs.

On the other hand, in his 1997 congressional role, Kasich developed a well-deserved reputation as a good faith negotiator who was willing to accept reasonable compromise.  He was, and remains, committed to small government and fiscal responsibility.  But in federal budget negotiations, he wisely chose not to overreach during his encounters with President Clinton's senior adviser and head of legislative affairs, John Hilley. As the Dispatch story points out, this posture earned Kasich the trust of the White House. House Speaker Newt Gingrich recognized that Kasich's behavior demonstrated statesmanship, and saw him as a central figure on the budget team.  This kind of profile is refreshing in this day and age.

As Ohio governor, Kasich maintains that he will carry the same objectivity and willingness to negotiate. But today's economy is in the tank compared to the high-flying days of the 1990s, Ohio tax revenues are certainly not on the upswing, and at this point there isn't much light at the end of the tunnel.