John Kasich set the standard. During the campaign, he heaped criticism on the “snouts in the trough,” the special interests feeding on the public agenda. He made plain that friends, former advisers and colleagues who launched lobbying efforts during his time as governor would receive no favors from his office.
So what was the governor doing last week at a private party, or “One Year Later” celebration, at the Ohio Theatre in Columbus, sponsored, in part, by lobbyists who were there at the beginning of his race for governor or count as ardent supporters?
The governor reiterated in the Columbus Dispatch: “People can be friends without having to do them favors, and we don’t do them favors.”
Of course, the better job description is influence peddling. A lobbyist may not prevail in the argument. The client understands. What clients want is the opportunity to have their argument or side heard. They want access, in a word. Experience suggests they will pay well for it.
So, what were those lobbyists signaling at their celebratory bash, the governor in attendance? They can open doors to the decision-makers.
Shortly after his election, John Kasich famously told a gathering of lobbyists that they had better get on the bus. At the time, the focus turned to those who might refuse. Would they get run over? It now is clear what happened to those who jumped on board. They threw a party.
