With the 2018 elections rapidly approaching, candidates for the Governor of Ohio have been stepping forward to fill the shoes of incumbent John Kasich. Breaking from party affiliation, Kasich takes a strong stance against harmful policy moves under the current Trump administration, such as the attempt to repeal and replace Obamacare.
Despite Kasich’s efforts on the health care, the current GOP candidates do not share his views.
Mary Taylor, the current Lieutenant Governor serving under Kasich, recently announced her plans to break from Kasich’s policies and end Medicaid expansion, which covers roughly 700,000 Ohioans.
Jim Renacci, U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 16th congressional district, shares similar views with Taylor and was a quiet supporter of the summer efforts to repeal Obamacare.
The two remaining candidates, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Secretary of State of Ohio Jon Husted have avoided discussing specifics on their stance, but are not opposed to the concept of repeal and replace.
While it is important to note that productive bipartisan conversations about the pitfalls of Obamacare are necessary, repealing the program without something more substantial would only harm the people of Ohio. It is irresponsible for gubernatorial candidates to support state or national bills that could have such a negative impact on their constituents.
It is my hope that they will soon take a page out of their predecessor John Kasich’s book and recognize that millions of Ohioans depend on these programs for basic healthcare. Until these candidates do so, they are unfit to serve the best interest of all Ohioans.
Eva Holtkamp is a sophomore studying strategic communications at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Who are you backing for governor in 2018? Let Eva know by tweeting her @EvaHoltkamp1
