Speech's timing lets Ohio governor sell big ideas

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio Gov. John Kasich's annual State of the State speech Tuesday will feel more like a stump speech for 2014 than the typical litany of big policy initiatives.

That's because the Republican governor has timed it to follow, rather than announce, his major budget, tax reform and school funding proposals.

It's the second consecutive year Kasich has taken the speech outside Columbus. Kasich made history last year when he spoke in Steubenville.

By choosing Lima, he's moved to Ohio's farm belt, and a manufacturing hub with significantly improved employment.

By reversing the usual speech-then-budget pattern of past governors, Kasich is following a classic campaign format: Announce a big policy initiative, then hit the road to sell its merits.