Governor Kasich on Meet the Press: Romney’s Going to Win Ohio (VIDEO)

Ohio Governor John Kasich made an appearance on Meet the Press Sunday and was asked to weigh in on a host of issues related to the pivotal swing state as the presidential election draws near.  Its certainly not a secret; Ohio is a must-win for both candidates with the path to the presidency clearly running through the Buckeye State.  While both men could theoretically piece together an Electoral College total without the state, a win there could make the endeavor extremely difficult, nearing impossible, for his opponent.

And for the first time I can recall, Governor Kasich is confident Governor Mitt Romney can carry his state.

“Right now, I believe we’re currently ahead. Internals show us currently ahead,” he said, referring to the private polling candidates routinely conduct. “Honestly, I believe that Romney is going to carry Ohio.”

That’s no small statement folks.  Governor Kasich is by all accounts a Romney supporter, but he’s refrained from big talk and throwaway campaign speculation.  As you can see in this interview, he’s even unwilling to take full credit for his state’s stronger than national average recovery.  In short, he’s not a hyper-partisan talking points “party first” kinda guy.  He’s a reasonable and level headed executive.  So, if he says things are turning toward Romney, I’m willing to believe him.

That said, the election’s not tomorrow.  Even a week can be a lifetime for a campaign especially in a state like Ohio where auto industry union money can flood the airwaves and distort the truth with a final push we all know is coming.

If Kasich’s internal polling has Romney ahead, I can’t be by more than a point or two.  While it is certainly cause for optimism, its anything but a reason to celebrate.  This election is going to be a close one; and possibly one that won’t be decided on election night – in Ohio and/or elsewhere.

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