Gov. John Kasich still has almost two more months on the job, but the GOP-led legislature is using its lame-duck session to push against his agenda.
Kasich said his opposition hasn’t changed to the so-called “Stand Your Ground” gun bill and the six-week abortion ban that just passed the Ohio House. He already vetoed the so-called “Heartbeat Bill” in 2016, and has indicated he would also veto the gun law.
Meanwhile, the governor is apparently starting to wind down his work and consider his legacy. He still isn't saying if he's running for president, though he may be starting to forecast what he’ll do next in talking about issues beyond Ohio.
Standing in front of his ceremonial Statehouse office with the word “governor” emblazoned in gold paint on the door, Kasich told reporters that Ohio has the most private sector jobs it’s ever had.
“Things are good here and we should feel good. And I think the people on Election Day really rewarded that," Kasich said.
Kasich also shared his concern for wildfire victims in California, and talked about his recent trip to an event sponsored by a newspaper in New Hampshire, a state that’s very important in presidential years.
“I was there to celebrate what the press does,” Kasich said.
Polls and pundits have suggested that voters are looking for more moderate, consensus-building candidates for the 2020 election.
