Kasich at local book signing: ‘I think the parties are collapsing’

First in line to have Gov. John Kasich sign a copy of his book Saturday at Books & Co. at The Greene were John Zang and Clare Mahoney.

Both said they are registered Democrats. Both said they could see themselves voting for the Republican governor and former presidential candidate.

“I think he’s a conservative that actually makes sense,” Zang said, “and is sensible in most of his positions. Even the ones I don’t agree with I can understand that he’s coming from a fundamentally reasonable place, which I think is important.”

Kasich took a handful of questions from the crowd before signing books. His advocacy of problem-solving over partisanship drew applause.

RELATED: Highlights of Gov. John Kasich’s CNN town hall, new book

“I’m not supporting anybody in politics anymore, I don’t care what party they’re in, if they’re going to be a divider. I’m not interested, OK? And if they go to be a partisan, don’t go asking me for any help,” he said.

He decried gerrymandering for driving people to political extremes, and predicted a rise of independent candidates.

“I think the parties are collapsing, and I think we’re going to see more and more independents running,” he said. “And I think independents, if they have the resources, are going to have a better and better chance of winning — somebody that is going to try to solve problems and isn’t going to play the party card or any of this other stuff.

“I don’t know if it’s going to happen soon but I think it will happen over time.”

But Kasich refused to commit to whether or not he would make another run for president.

“I really don’t know. I need to finish my job as governor, and these are somewhat trying times,” he said, ending by urging people to take a personal role in improving their communities.

“I think it’s up to all of us, not somebody else. Not the president, or the governor. Forget all those people. It’s us, it’s you and me believing what we do changes the world.”

FROM THE I-TEAM

About the Author