Kasich Scores Major Endorsement From Alabama Governor
News outlets describe this development as "head-turning" because Alabama Gov. Robert J. Bentley has followed a very different path in his state -- especially when it comes to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion.
The Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire:
Kasich, Taking A Break From N.H., Goes For A Southern Endorsement
Ohio Gov. John Kasich, whose GOP presidential campaign has been focused heavily on New Hampshire, is making a swing down south Monday to pick up an endorsement from Alabama Gov. Robert J. Bentley, according to a Kasich campaign source. ... Mr. Kasich’s Alabama endorsement comes from a governor who took a very different path than the one followed by Mr. Kasich as governor of Ohio in his approach to carrying out President Barack Obama‘s health-care law, the Affordable Care Act. Under Mr. Bentley, a dermatologist, Alabama refused to accept federal funds for Medicaid expansion, which the law provides to expand health coverage. Mr. Kasich, by contrast, broke ranks with his party and expanded his state’s Medicaid program under the ACA—a move that has drawn criticism from conservative Republicans and some of his presidential rivals. (Hook, 8/17)
The Washington Post:
Kasich To Pick Up Major Endorsement From Alabama Governor
Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who is campaigning for the Republican presidential nomination with a unique message of compassionate conservatism and cultural inclusion, will pick up a head-turning endorsement Monday in the Bible Belt. (Rucker, 8/17)
USA Today/Cincinnati Enquirer:
Kasich Could Face Challenges Distancing Himself From Obamacare
John Kasich likes Obamacare’s expansion of Medicaid to more low-income Americans. He wants to ensure insurance coverage for people who have pre-existing conditions. He likes insurance exchanges. And he thinks everyone should have health insurance – even young, healthy people who need an incentive to sign up. (Thompson, 8/15)
Bloomberg:
Kasich Finesses Expense Of Medicaid Expansion For Dubious Party
Republican Governor John Kasich says it’s a moral imperative to expand the federal-state insurance program for the poor .... He says it reaps savings from better public health and less prison time. Yet the state spent $1.4 billion more than projected with about 152,000 unexpected enrollees for the first 18 months of expansion. ... The Kasich administration said that even with the increase, spending was $1.9 billion under budget in 2015. With expansion expenses projected to increase to $5.09 billion in 2017, including a $133 million state share, critics question whether it’s sustainable and wonder why Ohio didn’t pursue a state-based plan to lessen dependency on Medicaid. (Niquette, 8/17)
