IOWA CAUCUSES

Kasich, running for president, professes ignorance of Oregon standoff

William Petroski
bpetrosk@dmreg.com
Ohio Gov. John Kasich poses for a photo after leaving a campaign event Monday at a coffee shop in West Des Moines, Iowa

Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination, said while campaigning in Iowa on Monday that he had no knowledge about a standoff in eastern Oregon where armed anti-government protesters have taken over a federal wildlife refuge.

The Oregon protest, which began Saturday night, has attracted national news headlines on radio, TV, newspapers and from Internet sources. But Kasich — a former U.S. congressman — repeatedly told a reporter from The Des Moines Register on Monday that he didn't know anything about it. Then Kasich excused himself and headed outside to his vehicle.

Kasich's profession of no knowledge about the situation was unexpected because presidential candidates who visit Iowa are routinely quizzed at length about current events and policy issues while on the campaign trail. His response to the question about the incident involving federal property in Oregon came just after he finished a campaign appearance before more than 100 people at a coffee shop in West Des Moines' historic Valley Junction business district. During his remarks to the audience, he talked at length about how he would respond in a tough manner against ISIS terrorists if he were elected to the White House.

Kasich campaign spokesman Rob Nichols emailed The Des Moines Register about four hours after the event in West Des Moines with an update: "He’s aware of the issue. This was an error in staff briefing," Nichols said.

Oregon militia takeover: How did we get here?

Here is a transcript of the conversation between The Des Moines Register reporter and Kasich:

Reporter: ”What do you think about the situation in Oregon, that standoff there?”

Kasich: “What? I haven’t heard about it.”

Reporter:  “Where people took over federal land?”

Kasich: “No, I haven’t heard about this. When did this come out?”

Reporter: “Yesterday.”

Kasich: “Yeah, I am not familiar with it. OK. I’ve got to get out of here."

The anti-government occupation is occurring at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. The protesters are reportedly upset over looming prison sentences for local ranchers Dwight and Steven Hammond. They went to the wildlife refuge Saturday evening following a peaceful rally at Burns, Ore., to support the ranchers, according to wire service reports. The FBI said Monday it is taking the lead in the law enforcement response and will work with state and local authorities to seek a peaceful resolution.