COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Columbus’ two favorite pastimes – politics and Ohio State football – are headed for a collision on Monday, as Gov. John Kasich’s inaugural gala coincides with the Buckeyes’ national championship game against Oregon.
For politics lovers, an inaugural ball is a luxury to be savored only once every four years, if you’re lucky. Drinks flow as operatives and staff celebrate the culmination of a successful campaign.
For fans of Buckeye football, it’s been an even longer stretch since a national championship was in their sights. It was the 2007 season when the Buckeyes last competed for the national title and not since their 2002 season that they last won one.
Kasich, a proud Ohio State graduate, has made contingencies. He declared early that he would not cancel the event for the game, but he has arranged for big-screen TVs to be on site Monday evening for game-watchers.
“As Buckeye fans and alumni, we would never want to miss seeing our team play for the National Championship!” his New Day Committee announced on inaugural stationery.