Kasich's Approval Carrying Weight in Ohio

On the way into work today, I heard a familiar voice endorsing U.S. Senate Candidate, and Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel.

“I’m blessed to have the privilege to lead our great state, and I’m proud to say we’re turning things around and getting Ohioans back to work... For Ohio to continue to do better, we need new leadership in Washington that will put the best interests of Ohio first. We need new leaders like Josh Mandel.”

The ad is incredibly effective, not simply because of its content--Mandel certainly will help turn Washington around and help keep Ohio's economy improving--but because of the guy delivering the message: Governor John Kasich.

According to the new Ohio Newspaper Poll, Governor Kasich is getting the job done, earning the approval of 56% of Ohioans.  And that number comes not only from Republican allies, but from almost every demographic:

• 60% approval among Independents.
• 54% approval in liberal Northeast Ohio.
• 34% approval among, wait for it... Democrats.

That's right, over a third of the Democrat party approves of the job Governor Kasich is doing.  And that's not even the end of it, as Kasich has made substantial headway with traditional Democrat voting blocs:

• 53% approval among women.
• 28% approval among African-Americans.
• 64% approval among those ages 18 to 29.

So does Kasich deserve another term?  A whopping 52% of likely voters think so, compared to just 37% who say no.  And if you remove the party-line Democrats from the mix, that number falls to a measly 10% who think Kasich shouldn't be reelected.  Heck even a quarter of the Democrat party--27% to be exact--thinks Kasich deserves a second term.

Of course, it's no wonder his endorsement carries weight in the Buckeye State.

When Kasich took office, Ohio was bleeding jobs--losing 400,000 over four years--had historically high unemployment, and was facing an $8 billion budget deficit.  Today, we're adding jobs by the thousands, and righting the ship.

But it sure would be easier if policy makers in Washington would provide less of a headwind, and started supporting policies that foster job growth in Ohio and throughout the nation.  That's why it's crucial for Mitt Romney and Josh Mandel to win this November.

And having the endorsement of an amazingly popular Governor sure helps the cause.