Ohio Democratic Party launches new web video that includes Kasich saying “I work on Wall Street”
This in via e-mail from the Ohio Democratic Party:
Ohio Democratic Party Unearths Footage of Congressman Kasich, in His Own Words: “I Work on Wall Street.”
Chairman Chris Redfern Unveils Web Video, Reiterates Call for Full Disclosure
COLUMBUS – Today, Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern held a press conference at Ohio Democratic Party headquarters to unveil a web video of Congressman John Kasich describing, in his own words, his work on Wall Street. During this campaign, Kasich has sought to downplay his eight years as a managing director at Lehman Brothers, claiming he operated out of a two-man office in Columbus. Two years ago, before the collapse of Lehman, Kasich described his work at the firm a little differently.
The web video, “Two Years,” can be seen here: ohiodems.org/twoyears.
(admin addition – or below):
Chairman Redfern’s remarks from today’s press conference follow:
In our web video, you saw Congressman Kasich, in his own words, talking about his work at Lehman Brothers. Not at a two-man office in Columbus, but on Wall Street.
Either he was lying then, or he is lying now. Because in 2008, Congressman Kasich said, quote, “Full disclosure: I do work on Wall Street.” End quote. Certainly, Congressman Kasich owes the voters of Ohio at least as much disclosure in 2010 as he offered the viewers of FOX News in 2008.
Before he announced his campaign for Governor, Kasich bragged about his work on Wall Street on his campaign website, on FOX News, and on his speakers bureau biography.
But today, here are just a few of the many places where you won’t find Congressman Kasich using words “Wall Street”: In his announcement speech. In his campaign biography. In his new book. On his Facebook page. In his web videos. And on his bus tour.
So I say to my friend John Kasich:
You can’t trumpet your work on Wall Street on the paid speaking circuit then claim you worked out of a two-man office while running for Governor.
You can’t rail against Wall Street bonuses in a speech to Nevadans, but not reveal your Wall Street bonuses to Ohioans.
You can’t claim to have taken Google public one day then call yourself a car dealer in Zanesville the next.
You can’t run on your so-called business experience and then run on your claim that you played no role at that business.
Congressman Kasich, you can’t have it both ways.
You owe it to the people of Ohio to be forthcoming about your work at Lehman Brothers. We have asked before, and we will ask again: Where did you work? What deals were you a part of? How much did you make in salary and bonuses?
The people of Ohio deserve to know.
Kasich’s past employment as to was he really “Wall Street” or not has been out there as an issue, it has received some media coverage, 2009 Dispatch article, Mark Naymik’s recent – Wall St. greed versus union cash as two examples.
Some of you have already stated you are voting for Kasich, some of you have already stated you are voting for Strickland. The real question comes down to how do those who don’t vote the party line going to see this issue. For those of you who think polling is accurate, a Rasmussen poll of 500 shows Kasich in the lead, with John Michael Spinelli reporting the numbers show the Wall St. attack message is not working.
I think Naymik’s article points to what we can expect, union bashing from one side, Wall Street bashing from the other side. In this situation, it does demonstrate that Kasich was out there two years ago claiming to be “Wall Street” and now of course that role is being downplayed. At a minimum if what is being stated now Kasich and those who worked with him is true, he was exaggerating his importance when on television or the speech circuit, how important that will be to the non-political junkies out there remains to be seen.
June 9th, 2010 at 6:17 pmWell at least he’s working!
June 9th, 2010 at 10:53 pmI WAS AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE AND IT WAS GREAT, THEN THE REST OF OUR 66 MEMBER STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE MET AND AT 630PM WE RE-ELECTED CHAIRMAN REDFERN AND I HAD THE PLEASURE TO PLACE HIS NAME IN NOMINATION. WE ARE UNITED BOTH HERE IN LUCAS COUNTY AND ON THE STATE LEVEL. I WILL ALSO ADD THAT THE PARTY IS VERY UNITED IN ALL OF MY DISTRICTS WITH OUTSTANDING CHAIRMEN.
June 10th, 2010 at 12:07 amI work on Wall Street as well. We have investments that we count on to return on our investment.
I’d like to know who thinks this is bad somehow?
June 10th, 2010 at 3:26 amA very weak attempt by Strickland to mask his own failures. I think independent minded voters will be focused on jobs. Strickland has proven that he has no clue how business works or how jobs are created. Kasich was head of the House Budget Committee in the 90’s that balanced the budget, paid off debt, reformed welfare, and was able to work across party lines with President Clinton. Kasich is not pounding the pavement with as much passion as he should be, but I think he will win a close election.
June 10th, 2010 at 8:09 amPatrick, this was from the Democratic Party, not the Strickland campaign as a point of clarification.
I also understand those of you who support Kasich’s position, however the campaign messaging that will come from both the Democratic Party and the Republican party is designed to a) shore up their bases and b) attract the undecideds.
Personally I think it’s too early to predict a November outcome – a lot can happen between now and then.
June 10th, 2010 at 8:17 amLisa, if the best the Democratic Party can muster is to pound on Kasich by villifying his perfectly legal and successful career, I think it might not be to early to predict a November outcome.
In state and national races in Nov 2010 most people will gravitate toward candidates who demonstrate a tangible track record of personal private-sector success rather than a career politician spewing rhetoric promising change and job creation. That rarely gets results and we need real results. The words of smooth talking bureaucrats won’t get the job done, people get that now.
June 10th, 2010 at 9:33 amWill chris redfern disclose the dollar amount of campaign contributions that wall street has given to the democratic party?
June 10th, 2010 at 10:42 amStrickland has proven beyond shadow of a doubt that he has no clue how businesses work or how to bring jobs to Ohio. Kasich was head of the House Budget Committee and oversaw balanced budgets, paying down debt, and welfare reform. He was also able to work across party lines with President Clinton. Kasich was not the person at Lehman who was responsible for investing in mortage backed securities that were loaded with subprime loans. His salary sounds like a lot to us, but was pennies compared to actual Wall St. titans. Just another distraction from Democrats to take attention away from their failure of a governor. Why aren’t they touting his amazing accomplishments? Porbably because there are so few of them…
June 10th, 2010 at 10:49 amVoR, I don’t disagree it’s going to take more than catchy web videos from either gubernatorial candidate or party for some, some of us want real answers from both candidates as to what they are actually going to do. While I understand the desire of some to sing Kasich’s praises, he has not exactly been forthcoming as to details.
I hope this campaign comes down to who actually is offering the best real solutions instead of who has the best soundbites.
June 10th, 2010 at 11:19 am#5 – agreed, particularly about Kasich’s efforts on his own behalf. I am left wondering what is going on with him. I have never seen a candidate sit on his hands so much this close to an election. Is he ill? Does he really want this job?
I’m going to vote for Kasich, but frankly, if his current level of activity continues for another month with no change, I wouldn’t be too quick to predict a Kasich victory.
June 10th, 2010 at 2:07 pm