Perry backs Kasich; Romney avoids Issue 2 debate
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Texas Gov. Rick Perry stepped up in support of Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Issue 2 supporters this week, while one of his presidential opponents, Mitt Romney, dodged the controversial legislation known as Senate Bill 5.
However, on Wednesday, Romney insisted that he supported the ballot initiative that would ratify the legislation signed by Kasich.
According to a CNN report by Peter Hamby, Perry "made a point of weighing in on the issue after his rival, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, visited Ohio and left questions about his position on an upcoming ballot measure that would overturn the anti-union legislation."
Earlier this year, Kasich and Ohio Republican lawmakers passed a bill that would place restrictions on certain collective bargaining rights by public employee unions.
"As a true conservative, I stand with Gov. Kasich in promoting Senate Bill 5 for fiscal responsibility and job creation in Ohio," Perry said. "Gov. Kasich and the Republican leadership of Ohio are to be commended for their efforts."
Romney would not say specifically if he supports Issue 2, which Ohio voters oppose by a 57-32 margin, according to a Quinnipiac poll released this week.
Meanwhile, Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern wasted no time in calling out Romney for his alleged "hypocrisy" on Issues 2.
“He (Romney) supported yesterday what he’s now not taking a position on today," Redfern said. "And if you didn’t know Mitt Romney’s background, you could give him a pass. But we know all too well what Mitt Romney’s background is. He was against the American automobile industry before he was for it. He was against Ohio State Issue 2 and 3 before he was for it, or perhaps didn’t have a position at all. That is a more convenient position to take.
“He is a consummate evolving politician who won’t make a decision beyond the headline of the most recent newspaper he’s read. Why on earth would he be in Cincinnati, Ohio to visit a Republican call center that is focused on turning out the vote for Issue 2 and 3 if he doesn’t have a position?" Redfern said.
"His presence at Terrace Park speaks volumes. If Romney becomes the Republican nominee, Ohioans won’t forget that he went out of his way to campaign for a bill that takes away workers’ rights and makes our communities less safe. Ohioans won’t forget that he went out of his way to campaign against our police and firefighters, our teachers and our nurses. Ohioans won’t forget that he has once again turned his back on the middle class."[[In-content Ad]]
However, on Wednesday, Romney insisted that he supported the ballot initiative that would ratify the legislation signed by Kasich.
According to a CNN report by Peter Hamby, Perry "made a point of weighing in on the issue after his rival, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, visited Ohio and left questions about his position on an upcoming ballot measure that would overturn the anti-union legislation."
Earlier this year, Kasich and Ohio Republican lawmakers passed a bill that would place restrictions on certain collective bargaining rights by public employee unions.
"As a true conservative, I stand with Gov. Kasich in promoting Senate Bill 5 for fiscal responsibility and job creation in Ohio," Perry said. "Gov. Kasich and the Republican leadership of Ohio are to be commended for their efforts."
Romney would not say specifically if he supports Issue 2, which Ohio voters oppose by a 57-32 margin, according to a Quinnipiac poll released this week.
Meanwhile, Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern wasted no time in calling out Romney for his alleged "hypocrisy" on Issues 2.
“He (Romney) supported yesterday what he’s now not taking a position on today," Redfern said. "And if you didn’t know Mitt Romney’s background, you could give him a pass. But we know all too well what Mitt Romney’s background is. He was against the American automobile industry before he was for it. He was against Ohio State Issue 2 and 3 before he was for it, or perhaps didn’t have a position at all. That is a more convenient position to take.
“He is a consummate evolving politician who won’t make a decision beyond the headline of the most recent newspaper he’s read. Why on earth would he be in Cincinnati, Ohio to visit a Republican call center that is focused on turning out the vote for Issue 2 and 3 if he doesn’t have a position?" Redfern said.
"His presence at Terrace Park speaks volumes. If Romney becomes the Republican nominee, Ohioans won’t forget that he went out of his way to campaign for a bill that takes away workers’ rights and makes our communities less safe. Ohioans won’t forget that he went out of his way to campaign against our police and firefighters, our teachers and our nurses. Ohioans won’t forget that he has once again turned his back on the middle class."[[In-content Ad]]