About John

70 years old

Hometown: McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania

Born to a Croatian mother and a Czech father, John was raised in an industrial town near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He studied political science at The Ohio State University, and worked as a researcher for the Ohio Legislative Service Commission upon graduation. Kasich served as an administrative assistant to then-state Senator Buz Lukens before running for office himself in 1978. Winning his first political campaign at age 26, Kasich went on to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2001 and as governor of Ohio from 2010 to present day. In the interim, Kasich moved into the private sector as a managing director for Lehman Brothers from 2001 to 2008 and with Fox News as a commentator on 'Heartland with John Kasich' from 2001 to 2007.

If elected, Kasich economic policy would consist of his tax and budget plan in an effort to create jobs. He would expand upon these to by reducing regulations he believes are limiting job growth. To do this he one place a one year moratorium on new regulations for business so they can be reviewed and reformed. Next he would work with Congress to make a cost-benefit analysis to make sure any new regulation provide sufficient benefit. Lastly, he would create a new review panels comprised of people outside the legal system making easier for small business to fight agencies regulatory decisions.^[1]

If elected, Kasich's foreign policy would prioritize defeating ISIS. He would challenge regional aggression demonstrated by Russia and China to reassert U.S. strength by working with states in Europe and Japan. He would work to strengthen the military, renew key alliances, promote democracy and civil liberties, and protect human rights.^[2]

Kasich plans to defeat ISIS by utilizing a mutual defence act by NATO, regional allies, and creating safe havens and no-fly zones.^[2]

If elected, Kasich's immigration policy would focus on securing the border to prevent the flow of undocumented workers into the U.S. He would strengthen the guest worker program to allow individuals to come to work. He would work to create a program that allows people who have been in the United States for several years with a clean criminal record to be put on a path of legalization, not citizenship, assuming they pay a fine and back taxes.^[3]

If elected, Kasich's tax plan would cut taxes for individuals and families by lowering income tax rates, reducing the number of tax brackets, and increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit. He would lower taxes on America's businesses and reform the IRS to eliminate inefficiencies, bias, and corruption through an independent top-to-bottom review.^[1]

If elected, Kasich's energy plan would focus on keeping energy affordable by pursuing all sources of energy. He would work to achieve energy independence by approving the Keystone XL pipeline and reducing energy regulations that prohibit job growth. He would also encourage new energy technologies to promote future economic growth.^[1]

If elected, John Kasich would work with congress to balance the budget in eight years. He aims to do this by passing a resolution amending the constitution to require a balanced budget. He would set priorities to shrink and dismantle parts of Washington's bureaucratic system. Kasich would reform entitlement programs like Medicaid and Medicare to reduce their growth rates.^[1]