From: Ann Curley/CNN Capitol Hill Producer
In: Washington
Posted: 4-30-97

Subject: Kasich Expresses Optimism About A Budget Agreement

House Budget Chairman John Kasich (R-Ohio) says that for the first time, he can "see the top of the mountain," the mountain being the budget negotiating process. Kasich made his remarks as he left the weekly House Republican conference planning meeting.

Kasich's mountain metaphors were spurred by the fact that he is reading the book, "Into Thin Air," about climbing Mount Everest. When asked what it will take for him to get to the top of the budget mountain, Kasich said, "more talk," explaining that both sides have "fundamental differences" and that both sides wish to stick to their principles.

When asked to put a timetable on the process, Kasich said, "Frankly, we'd like to see if this can be done today," but he acknowledged that today may not be the last day of budget negotiations.