NH could derail Kasich’s presidential aspirations

What does it say about the race for the Republican nomination for president when one of the most qualified candidates in the crowded field may well bow out this week?

It says the voters have let themselves be distracted by gimmickry, egomania and appeals to the lowest common denominator in politics: fear.

But the time has come for Republicans to take stock of what the race for the nomination has delivered so far and then to ask themselves if the party can do better.

And if the voters are honest with themselves, they will admit that more attention should have been paid to Ohio Gov. John Kasich, described by many as the “adult” in the room. The characterization goes to his refusal to play the kinds of games on the campaign trail that have dominated the headlines.

Unfortunately, Kasich’s experience in government, as a governor and a former member of Congress, and his centrist views on a whole range of issues have failed to inspire enough Republicans to put him in the top tier of the candidate field.

Indeed, it could be the end of the line for Kasich this week if he fails to emerge from the New Hampshire GOP primary with a strong vote. Granted, the definition of “strong” is open to debate, but if the top three candidates coming out of last week’s Iowa caucuses – Ted Cruz, Donald Trump and Marco Rubio – leave the rest of the field far behind, then Kasich will have to reassess his candidacy.

Therefore, we believe Republican voters in the state with a well earned reputation for political independence and maturity should give Kasich serious consideration.

It is no accident that the Boston Globe, the largest newspaper in New England, strongly endorsed Ohio’s governor.

Here’s what The Globe said, in part:

“New Hampshire Republicans can do their party a critical service on Feb. 9 by voting for an experienced political figure with a record of results, and thus dealing a blow to the divisive, demagogic candidates running on nativism and other political simplicities.

“The Globe urges them to support John Kasich, whose record as governor of Ohio shows him to be a pragmatic, fiscally responsible executive, but one who is also concerned with helping the poor. His success in that important swing state, and his record as a moderate conservative who is willing to compromise in pursuit of results, suggests he is the Republican hopeful most likely to be successful on the national stage.

“By voting for Kasich, New Hampshire can reward a candidate whose politics have been largely positive – and rebuke those candidates who have spent their campaign appealing to voters’ fears and biases.”

The major newspaper with a national reputation was as impassioned in its criticism of the frontrunner in the primary. Here’s what The Globe said about Trump, the billionaire businessman from New York.

“Once known primarily for his reality TV show, Trump has exploited anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiment to build a populist campaign that polls show attracts a hard-core segment of Republican voters. He wants to build a wall between the United States and Mexico and temporarily forbid Muslims from entering the country.

“His bigotry is toxic – and it requires a resounding electoral defeat.”

SUPPORT FROM NEW YORK TIMES

Thoughtful voters in the Granite State should not only take to heart that endorsement of Kasich, but they would do well to consider the support he received from the nation’s leading newspaper, The New York Times.

“Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, though a distinct underdog, is the only plausible choice for Republicans tired of the extremism and inexperience on display in this race. And Mr. Kasich is no moderate. As governor, he’s gone after public-sector unions, fought to limit abortion rights and opposed same-sex marriage.

“Still, as a veteran of partisan fights and bipartisan deals during nearly two decades in the House, he has been capable of compromise and believes in the ability of government to improve lives. He favors a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, and he speaks of government’s duty to protect the poor, the mentally ill and others ‘in the shadows.’ While Republicans in Congress tried more than 60 times to kill Obamacare, Mr. Kasich did an end-run around Ohio’s Republican Legislature to secure a $13 billion Medicaid expansion to cover more people in his state.”

Tuesday’s election is a defining moment for the Republican Party, not only in New Hampshire, but nationally. A significant vote for Kasich will send a strong message about what the party wants in a standard-bearer.