John Kasich from the 2000 GOP Convention

In-Depth Coverage of the Republican National Convention

(CNN) -- Serving his ninth term as a U.S. Representative from central Ohio, John Kasich has been a key player in The Balanced Budget Act of 1997, the welfare reform bill enacted in 1996, and defense reform including limiting the production of the B-2 "stealth" bomber. Kasich favors tax reform and a 10 percent reduction in income tax rates.

Chat Moderator: Welcome to the Allpolitics chat room, Representative John Kasich. What’s at stake for Republicans in this election?

John Kasich: Thank you very much. It's good to be with you. We are promoting a philosophy that represents a bottom-up approach. The power should flow in this country from families and communities to the top, not from the elite dictating from top down.

Question from HanShann: Will Bush be willing to spend on Head Start like this president has? His veep choice voted against the program all together.

John Kasich: George Bush has expressed a strong support for Head Start. And one of the major themes of the convention is that no child be left behind. I would expect a robust Head Start program.

Question from Mike A: If you are, as you say, taking a bottom-up approach, does this mean that you've rejected the trickle-down approach?

John Kasich: Well, I would say, economically, we believe there ought to be broad incentives that spark economic growth. And we also believe that there are some targeted tax cuts which should be put into place like eliminating the marriage tax penalty.

However, the best approaches for economic growth are broad-based tax cuts that will provide incentives and ensure economic growth.

Question from Penn: What was your reaction to Colin Powell's reference to affirmative action in last night's speech?

John Kasich: I think it's very important that we make it clear that we believe people who have had less, have an opportunity to get ahead. I believe in affirmative action but not quotas.

Chat Moderator: If the presidential and congressional races both tighten, is it more important to retain control of Congress or win the White House?

John Kasich: Obviously, the president sets the major national tone, but if you don't have control of Congress, you can't enact the program. Winning both the presidency and the Congress is like love and marriage. It goes together like a horse and carriage.

Question from Riley: What will Bush-Cheney actually do, beyond rhetoric, to assist those with "less opportunity to get ahead?"

John Kasich: I think the single most important issue in America is education. And George Bush has made it clear that we will not continue to put valuable money in failing schools. I believe that school choice that gives all Americans the power to choose good and safe schools for their kids is the most important civil rights issue of this century.

Question from Oloman: Mr. Kasich, if the Republicans are in favor of Bush's tax cut, why did they vote not to implement it?

John Kasich: We've implemented a number of them, and we will continue to get additional tax cuts this year.

Question from Clay45: Mr. Kasich, what can be done to get parents more involved in their children's education? That is the key.

John Kasich: I think it's about personal responsibility. I think parents should be less worried about material wealth and more worried about their kids' personal health. I think the ability to look beyond ourselves flows primarily from our personal religious beliefs. And we need to invite God back into our lives. Government policies are a cheap substitute, and in most cases, a failing substitute for positive human behavior.

Question from Bodine: Does that mean that you support a voucher system?

John Kasich: I, personally, support a voucher system. And George Bush has made it clear that if schools fail, parents will have choice in regard to their kids' education. The only way to really improve the public education system is to open the system to competition.

Question from Maitre^: Mr. Kasich, what would you say is the key difference between Republican approaches and Democrat approaches to problem solving?

John Kasich: Republican approach is bottom-up; Democratic approach is top-down.

Chat Moderator: How competitive are swing states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania?

John Kasich: I think, by Election Day, they will be extremely competitive.

Chat Moderator: What is the party’s strategy for appealing to independent and moderate voters?

John Kasich: I think we are seeing, demonstrated in this convention, an inclusive approach that if you believe in the power of the individual to make a difference, then you should be Republican, or at least vote Republican.

Chat Moderator: Do you have any final thoughts for us?

John Kasich: I think it's a very important election. And I hope that we are seeing the dawning of a new day in my party, a day where we really communicate the sense that we should set individuals free, empower them, and work together to solve our problems in our own families and communities.

Chat Moderator: Thank you for joining us today, Representative John Kasich.

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GOP convention opens for Cheney's big night; Bush in Philadelphia to claim GOP presidential slot
8/2/00
The 2000 GOP Platform

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John Kasich

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