John Kasich (rhymes with Basic) is proud to call Ohio his home, and he is optimistic about our future. He understands that Ohio is hurting, and believes we can do better. Recently, John decided to return to public service by announcing his candidacy for Governor of Ohio (http://KasichForOhio.com)
The son of a mailman, John grew up in a blue collar neighborhood in McKee’s Rocks, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh. Like many Americans his values were shaped by a childhood rooted in faith, family, community and common sense.
At age 18 John chose to move 180 miles to the west to attend The Ohio State University, and after graduating he chose to make his mark in Ohio.
Known for his straightforward style and boundless energy, John was elected to the Ohio State Senate at the age of 26 and to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982 at the age of 30.
As a nine-term Congressman, John played major leadership roles in a variety of groundbreaking achievements. Driven by a belief that government shouldn’t live beyond its means, John worked as Chairman of the House Budget Committee to construct the plan that balanced the federal budget for the first time since man first walked on the moon. At first the naysayers said it couldn’t be done, then they said it shouldn’t be done, then they said it wouldn’t be done. But John, working with a team of other leaders, proved them all wrong. Together they balanced the budget, provided for the largest government surplus our country has ever seen, and opened the door for an era of tremendous job growth and prosperity.
An advocate of personal responsibility, John chaired the historic congressional conference committee that overhauled the welfare system. Building on his commitment to limited government, John also championed defense reform and the elimination of wasteful government spending by effectively building coalitions with members on both sides of the aisle.
John’s leadership, accomplishments and vision for America led Newsweek magazine to name him one of its “100 people for the 21st century” But instead of seeking a 10th congressional term, John decided to remain in Westerville with his wife Karen and twin daughters Emma and Reese, and has pursued new challenges and experiences outside of Washington.
As a business leader John has worked to understand what makes businesses successful, and has helped companies in a wide variety of industries nationwide to grow, invest for the future and create jobs.
His leadership in Washington and his ability to communicate powerfully and effectively have given John a broad platform to shape public opinion as a commentator, appearing on virtually every major network and cable news show. He has also hosted a national weekly news show called “Heartland with John Kasich,” which allowed him to provide a uniquely Midwestern perspective to news from around the nation and world.
John has lectured on college campuses across the country, challenging students with a message that emphasizes the importance of hard work, ethics and values.
Additionally, John is a two-time New York Times bestselling author. Most recently, he penned Stand for Something: The Battle for America’s Soul. Praised by the likes of Bono, George Stephanopoulos and Elie Wiesel, Stand for Something directly addresses how we can overcome the erosion of the long-standing, hard-earned values upon which our nation is built. John has also authored Courage is Contagious, a book which highlights the stories of ordinary Americans who have taken amazing measures to make a difference for their communities and our country.
Like the people John writes about, his entire career has been about making a difference. Now, turning his leadership toward Ohio, John wants to work together with all Ohioans to make a difference for our future and develop common sense solutions that will bring jobs and prosperity back to Ohio's families.
You can drop John a note at http://Twitter.com/JohnKasich or at http://Facebook.com/JohnRKasich
John R. Kasich
U2: An Exquisite Team
by John R. KasichThis past Saturday, my wife Karen, and I had the opportunity to once again take in a U2 show. This one was at Soldier Field in Chicago and kicked off the U.S. leg of the 360 Tour. The tour gets its name from the round stage — which allowed for more seating. We had been to several U2 shows in the past, but never a stadium concert. Every one of those extra seats was filled and the energy was tremendous.
What I am struck by is the amazing solidarity U2 has had over the years. Make no mistake, they are an exquisite team. Many people know of my relationship with Bono. He is a man of faith who has used his celebrity to save countless lives in Africa. He’s the front man with haunting vocals. The Edge has that unique sound which keeps the band moving forward. Larry Mullen’s drums keeps them in the now. Finally, Adam Clayton’s bass allows the band to maintain that seemingly raw quality. It’s no wonder they have been one of the world’s greatest rock bands all these years. (more…)
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Fleetwood Mac: A Huge Surprise
by John R. KasichMy friends know that I get juiced up to see a really good concert. Last night in Columbus, however, I walked into Nationwide Arena for the Fleetwood Mac show not really sure if I wanted to be there. I went in with low expectations. I knew that Stevie Nicks is an icon and that Mick Fleetwood is a great drummer, but I still did not have high hopes going in. I’ve seen too many bands who are past their prime simply go through the motions, while charging big bucks just to get into the building.
All that I can say is that I was wrong. It was a humble performance — the band refused to rest on their laurels. They played with full emotion, letting it all out and the crowd responded accordingly. The band had three encores and I still wish they had come out just one more time. This wasn’t another nostalgic performance — it was a perfect rock show. (more…)
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The Police Redeemed
by John R. Kasich
Last year, I went to see The Police when they came to Columbus. I could not have been more disappointed with the show. They looked uninterested — like three solo acts who weren’t willing to play together. On top of it, they didn’t let Sting play any of his hit songs. When someone pays a lot of money to see a show, you expect them to put some effort into entertaining you. I drove home, hoping that the band just had an off night. (more…)
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Music Television Makes a Comeback
by John R. KasichWhen MTV first came out in the early ’80s, it was the greatest thing going. But over the years, they stopped showing videos and the music seemed to die. Until recently, it was difficult to find actual music on television.
Palladia, however has changed that. I was recently watching O.A.R.: Live at Madison Square Garden (Go Bucks!) on the HD Channel. Broadcast in vivid 1080i with tremendous sound, Palladia has made music television fun again. I felt like I was singing along to “Shattered” with the rest of the audience. Palladia broadcasts plenty of videos, but the concerts are what make the channel a true experience.
They use programming from MTV, VH1 and CMT, but from my experience, it has been completely music centered. I have yet to see a reality show or an hour devoted to 1973 fads. Obviously, this could change at anytime — it is owned by MTV, after all. Until then, I’m enjoying the ride.
I may check out Foo Fighters: Live at Wembley this week.
John Kasich can be reached at Recharge Ohio, Facebook, and Twitter
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The Return of “24″ is Big News in my Household
by John R. KasichJack Bauer’s return for four action packed hours on Sunday and Monday cannot come soon enough. Even with the tease we had late last year of ‘24: Redemption,’ it’s been far too long since we’ve seen our favorite terrorist buster in action.
I know some have grown weary of the the over-the-top story lines, but I was late to the game in watching the show. I missed the first couple of seasons so I still sit at the edge of my seat during every commercial break. I am still able to suspend my disbelief.
The political undertones and controversies surrounding the show never enter my mind — it’s just great TV. ‘24′ is one of the few television shows my wife and I look forward to watching together. The clock can’t tick fast enough for Jack Bauer’s return.
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