Kasich Snags Billionaire Democrat Donor



3:01 PM, DEC 30, 2015 |
By JIM SWIFT

POLITICO is reporting that Ohio governor and presidential candidate John Kasich has snagged a Democrat mega-donor: Ron Burkle.
Burkle is slated to host a Jan. 12 fundraiser for the Republican presidential candidate at the Soho House in Los Angeles, according to a fundraising invitation obtained by POLITICO. The event is also expected to draw a number of other major political donors, including financier Gary Winnick and businessman Harry Sloan.

Kasich is widely regarded as one of the few Republicans running with general election crossover appeal to Democrats and independent voters. That appeal doesn't seem to be helping much during the primary, of course; Kasich is underperforming nationally, though doing well in New Hampshire.

Which might explain why Burkle, a prominent Democrat, is backing Kasich. The real value in Burkle's backing is not his money, but rather his network of donors. No word on whether Burkle will also give to the pro-Kasich super PAC "New Day for America."
Interestingly, Burkle's support for Kasich comes after his love for the Clintons turned sour:

Burkle and Bill Clinton were close for years, with the investor often taking the former president on his private plane. But in 2010, the two went through a public breakup. "Before, every trip with him seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity. Now I have so many things to do," Burkle said at the time.

Notorious for their vindictiveness, spuring the Clintons --for a Republican, no less!-- is likely to be the last nail in the coffin of the Burkle/Clinton relationship.

http://www.weeklystandard.com/kasich...rticle/2000369