Kasich Formally Declares Run for Governor

Business First of Columbus
Tuesday, June 2, 2009, 9:36am EDT

Former U.S. Rep. John Kasich announced a run for governor on Monday evening, telling supporters in Westerville he’s aiming for a fundamental shift in the state’s leadership.

Kasich, a Republican known these days for his appearances on Fox News, made the announcement in his hometown after more than a year traveling around the state, speaking at Republican dinners and fundraisers and meeting with Ohioans. Kasich’s campaign in a release estimated about 2,000 supporters attended the event.

Kasich said in a release that the state is "stuck in the past because we’ve relied too much on special interests, we’ve relied too much on lobbyists, we’ve relied too much on political accommodation."

"If we can get rid of it and begin to run the State of Ohio like a 21st-century operation, we will have enough space that will allow us to cut taxes and to create a job environment, an entrepreneurial environment, that will make Ohio great again.”

Kasich also said he plans to tackle reforming the state’s education system, a high-profile focus of Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland’s current term. Strickland hasn’t formally announced plans for a second term but hasn’t given indications he won’t seek another four years in office.

Kasich hasn’t held public office since 2001, when he declined to seek another term in Congress. That ended an 18-year run in the House of Representatives.