Kasich apologizes to cop he called ‘idiot’

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Governor John Kasich

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Ohio Gov. John Kasich has apologized to a police officer for calling him an idiot.

The governor met privately Thursday with Columbus police Officer Robert Barrett, who cited him in 2008 for a traffic violation. Kasich spokesman Rob Nichols said Barrett accepted the apology.

Barrett cited Kasich for passing too close to an emergency vehicle. He told Kasich he’d face an arrest warrant if he didn’t show up in court.

The governor said in a videotaped meeting with state employees last month: “He’s an idiot. You just can’t act that way.”

Columbus police said Thursday that cruiser video from the traffic stop showed Barrett treated Kasich professionally and respectfully.