By Emily Brewer
Yesterday after John Kasich’s announcement at his alma mater in Columbus, the Republican field added a candidate that has turned his words into action with deliverable results. Of the exceedingly long list of candidates, those with gubernatorial experience should be the standouts. While Perry, Jindal, Bush, Christie and Kasich all but cruised into the governorship in their respective states, the only ones in play are Florida and Ohio. Well hello, Jeb and John.
If Republicans wish to win back the White House in 2016, the importance of swing states is not just part of the equation: it’s the best pathway to victory.
Leaders that can cross the aisle enable the Republican Party to pick up votes from independents and moderate Democrats, which is exactly what the Republican Party needs: a marketable candidate. While Rand Paul and Donald Trump (the latter I say as I become queasy), can certainly rebel-rouse the masses temporarily, this is not about winning the first quarter of the game, it’s about the final score on November 8, 2016.
Kasich offers voters a candidate that has already delivered results in his home state of Ohio and on the national level in Congress, and I would bet could do it again. As the lead architect of the 1997 Balanced Budget, that level of economic experience cannot be ignored. While several other candidates are talking veterans, foreign policy and military matters, his service on the Armed Services Committee lends him as a unique candidate with that level of insight.
As we reflect on the major field of candidates, we must all pick our TOP issues this election cycle. With the out of control spending in Washington, so far my eyes are on you, John Kasich. Welcome to the jungle.
Emily Brewer is the owner of Reaction Point Marketing + Media Consulting and is based out of Suffolk, Virginia. She also represents the Young Republicans from the 4th Congressional District and is the Treasurer of the Suffolk Republican Party.
