Kasich disrespects Ohio voters

The [Toledo] Blade: Gov. John Kasich is refusing to debate his Democratic challenger, Ed FitzGerald — a move that disrespects both the candidate and Ohio voters. Although Governor Kasich is comfortably ahead in the polls, he should still feel compelled to make a full case for his re-election.

Negotiations between the campaigns fell apart this week. A spokesman for Mr. Kasich’s campaign suggested that Mr. FitzGerald no longer had a campaign to run, because his party had removed financial support — a claim the Democratic nominee disputed.

Regardless of the disheveled state of Mr. FitzGerald’s campaign, though, Governor Kasich has a responsibility to voters to share a stage with his challenger while he defends his record. Governor Kasich should reconsider his reluctance to debate. If he is as comfortable with his record as he claims to be, he should be willing to talk about it.