Ohio’s Kasich goes own way in bid for re-election

Ohio Gov. John Kasich speaks during a rally at the Coldwater Machine Company, Monday, Oct. 13, 2014, in Coldwater, Ohio. Polls suggest he has a big lead over his Democratic challenger, county executive Ed Fitzgerald. Kasich's strength and his position as the top elected official in one of the nation's most important swing states, is fueling renewed speculation that he may join the crowded 2016 Republican presidential field. He's not ruling anything out.(AP Photo/Al Behrman) Ohio Gov. John Kasich speaks during a rally at the Coldwater Machine Company, Monday, Oct. 13, 2014, in Coldwater, Ohio. Polls suggest he has a big lead over his Democratic challenger, county executive Ed Fitzgerald. Kasich's strength and his position as the top elected official in one of the nation's most important swing states, is fueling renewed speculation that he may join the crowded 2016 Republican presidential field. He's not ruling anything out.(AP Photo/Al Behrman)

By Associated Press October 21, 2014 5 min read

COLDWATER, Ohio (AP) – John Kasich is waiting for his second cup of chili.

He’s in the middle of another day on the campaign trail, but as he’s way up in the polls, Ohio’s Republican governor isn’t about to pass up a second helping.

“Politics bore me,” he said, reflecting on his unorthodox speech at Coldwater Machine Co. earlier in the day.

At an event designed to energize Republicans, Kasich told dozens of voters from the farmlands of western Ohio that they should respect President Barack Obama, even if they don’t agree with him. He praised the “big role” government plays in helping those who can’t help themselves.

And later, he defended the “flesh and blood” benefits provided to low-income people through the expansion of Medicaid, which came about as part of Obama’s health care law.