ELECTION UPDATE | Kasich is coasting to victory due to FitzGerald missteps

Associated Press

COLUMBUS — Republican John Kasich coasted to re-election as Ohio’s governor on Tuesday by defeating Cleveland Democrat Ed FitzGerald amid early indications turnout was low across the state.

Tuesday’s victory was expected after campaign missteps by FitzGerald, the Cuyahoga County executive, left him seriously behind in polls and fundraising.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a potential 2016 presidential contender who chairs the Republican Governors Association, called Kasich’s victory “commanding” and said it meant “four more years of jobs, growth and prosperity are in store for the Buckeye State.” The RGA spent $4 million in the race.

In a tweet, Kasich thanked the state, saying, “We did it! It’s only halftime, Ohio, and the best is yet to come.”

FitzGerald’s troubles and the lack of a U.S. Senate race or any statewide ballot issues were among factors that kept people from the polls.

The 62-year-old Kasich’s approval ratings dropped after he lost a 2011 collective-bargaining battle against public employee unions, but FitzGerald’s weakened campaign was unable to serve as an effective mouthpiece to remind voters of that and push other Democratic issues.

Ultimately, Kasich’s message that he had added jobs after a punishing national recession and made efforts to rein in Ohio government spending and cut taxes won the day.

There were few bright spots left for Democrats as vote totals began to roll in polls closed across the state. Incumbent Secretary of State Jon Husted, Attorney General Mike DeWine and Auditor Dave Yost also defeated their Republican opponents decisively.