Ohio Dems blast Kasich’s LeBron comments; campaign sorry for ‘chicken shack’ remark about gov

Ohio Dems blast Kasich over LeBron James comments

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate John Kasich is taking heat from Democrats for saying he’s not overly concerned about NBA superstar LeBron James leaving Cleveland, while his campaign spokesman apologized Wednesday for saying Gov. Ted Strickland grew up poor in a “chicken shack.”

Kasich said in a recent radio interview that he hopes James, who becomes a free agent in July, stays with the Cavaliers. But he told FOX News radio host Alan Colmes that he’s more worried about thousands of Ohioans who have lost their jobs.

“I’m not singing any chorus for LeBron James,” Kasich said, referring to a music video in which Strickland and Cleveland celebrities appeared, urging James to stay.

In response, the Ohio Democratic Party ridiculed Kasich by setting up a website with his picture called “Ohioans Against LeBron.”

Kasich campaign spokesman Rob Nichols said Democrats were trying to make something out of a non-issue.

But Nichols did issue an apology for comments he made Tuesday about Strickland’s rural upbringing.

Responding to a speech on urban development by Strickland running mate Yvette McGee Brown, Nichols said: “Having grown up in a chicken shack on Duck Run, he has all but ignored our cities’ economies and their workers.”

Strickland’s boyhood homes included a chicken coop on the family farm, where the Stricklands found shelter after fire destroyed their home. The area in Duck Run, Ohio, is part of the state’s Appalachia region, a rural swath of impoverished southern and eastern counties.

Nichols said he was wrong to use the reference and realizes it could be viewed as derogatory.

“That certainly wasn’t intended,” he said, noting that Strickland has referred to the chicken coop in speeches and interviews.

Democrats said Nichols’ comments were insulting and showed Kasich was out of touch with average Ohioans. Democrats have been making an issue of Kasich’s time as a former managing director at the Lehman Brothers investment firm, where he worked after leaving Congress.

U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson, an Ohio Democrat who represents a district that includes Appalachia, called on Kasich to issue an apology, saying Nichols’ apology alone isn’t good enough.

“These are my comments, I made them, I own them,” said Nichols, adding that Kasich wasn’t happy with the remarks and let him know about it.

Strickland largely brushed aside the issue after appearing Wednesday at a meeting with agriculture leaders. Strickland said he wasn’t offended by Nichols’ comment and joked he felt the need to stand up for chickens.

“You know what I said when I read it? I just hope he keeps on talking,” Strickland said.