will Kasich be a drag on the (R) nominee in Ohio?

[Cory]

Assuming Romney is ultimately the nominee, I think Ohio will actually be an uphill climb for the GOP this time around. I just think the "moneybags mitt" narrative is too pervasive for Mitt to overcome. And Frankly, in a general election setting Romney is a very easy person to attack for obvious reasons.

Honestly the MidWest in general is a hard knock for Mitt.

[Cory]

Six years after Pennsylvania voters showed Senator Rick Santorum decisively (59-41) that they no longer wanted him in the Senate  they will still know why they no longer wanted him in the US Senate.

Just like how in 1962 the people of California showed Richard Nixon that they didn't want him to be Governor? Having lost previous elections is way overrated as an indicator of future performance.

[Cory]

Santorum can win Ohio, but it's an uphill battle. Obama seems pretty popular here. If he could somehow compensate Pennsylvania for Ohio, that would be fantastic.

Yeah I think Santorum would have an easier time winning states like Ohio and Iowa then Mittens. Granted Santorum is to the right on social issues but this is going to be an economy election. This isn't 2004.

[Cory]

Yes, Kasich/SB5 is going to hurt the Republican nominee in Ohio. There are an awful lot of normally swing voters out there who have lost trust in the Republican Party after said perceived power grab. That's not to say Ohio's not still a swing state; it is. But it will be a few points more Democratic come 2012 than it would have been if Kasich&Co. in Columbus had not attempted the collective bargaining legislation.

This.