I was talking with my mom the other day, and she mentioned that she intends to vote for Kasich, because even though she doesn’t agree with him on much, he’s at least competent, and she doesn’t think that Fitzgerald is. Now, my mom is about as far into the core of the Democratic base as you can get-- If even people like her won’t support Fitzgerald, then he’s got no chance at all.
The state troopers’ union withdraws its endorsement of Fitz: Troopers withdraw endorsement of Ed FitzGerald - cleveland.com
Kasich seems to see no need to debate Fitz… and I can’t say I blame him: Ed FitzGerald's campaign accuses John Kasich of refusing to debate - cleveland.com
The governor’s race seems to have completely dropped off the radar. After a flurry about a month ago, Kasich isn’t even running commercials here in Dayton. I expect a few for form’s sake as we get closer, but I see no reason not to assume that the election is a lock for Kasich.
What we’re seeing instead are ads for the other state races – I’ve seen Republican ads for Attorney General Mike DeWine and Treasurer Josh Mandel. In addition, our local Republican State Senator Bill Beagle has been running ads. Democrats don’t have much money for ads, especially for the more local races. Interestingly, Beagle’s ad goes on about how things are done in his home town – without mentioning that his home town is the same as his opponent’s home town – and she was recently the mayor of that town that Columbus lawmakers should view as a model.
Not the kind of national attention Fitz wants: Fumbled Bid for Governor Imperils Ohio Democrats - The New York Times
The PD’s followup: http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2014/09/ohio_democratic_party_chairman_3.html#incart_m-rpt-1
The part that interests me is how this has implications for Ohio in 2016. I don’t know if it’s true, but I can hope.
More importantly, it makes a Kasich Presidential run more plausible. I’ve always been a fan of Kasich since he was in the House.
Well, having the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in 2016 makes his selection as someone’s VP all the more likely, I think.
Portman’s also on the shortlist and frankly I think more likely as a VP candidate.
Bush’s budget director. Great choice. 
Could be. As always, it depends on the nominee.
Here’s Connie Schultz on the gubernatorial race, and Kasich’s ambitions beyond: http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/10/is-president-kasich-possible-111539.html
Fitz continues his lonely slog; fellow Democratic candidates keep edging away from him: http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2014/10/ed_fitzgerald_goes_it_alone_on.html
I just still don’t see what the big deal is. The problem with his candidacy all seem like small beer to me, yet they killed his candidacy. I’ve seen much more significant issues, like having associations with criminals, and politicians survive that 90% of the time.
Kasich speaks the truth about Obamacare and, nursing White House dreams, immediately throws the spin machine in high gear: http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/20/politics/kasich-obamacare-here-to-stay/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
Kasich has also walked back remarks critical of Iowa which, if memory serves, plays some minor role in Presidential elections: Gov. John Kasich apologizes to Iowa, Nina Turner hits Jon Husted in first TV ad: Ohio Politics Roundup - cleveland.com
Heh. That’s the problem with cruising to election victories, it screws up your instincts. Not that he isn’t right about both issues. As they say, a gaffe is when a politician accidentally tells the truth.
Kasich, Fitz and the Green Party candidate got together, but not for a debate. Kasich has already drawn some flak for seeming careless/slouchy/disrespectful and not bothering to wear a tie: http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2014/10/follow_along_as_gov_john_kasic.html#incart_m-rpt-1
I voted this morning. I had a hard time in the governor’s race. Kasich hasn’t been that bad for a Republican, and FitzGerald is, to put it mildly, uninspiring. At almost the last moment I decided that “hasn’t been that bad for a Republican” is not good enough. I expect Kasich to win despite me. 
Thanks for your vote, but I suspect you’re right.