Keith BieryGolick

kbierygolick@enquirer.com

WEST CHESTER TWP. – Republicans in Butler County honored former Speaker John Boehner three days before residents across Ohio's 8th District will vote on his replacement in Congress.

But on Saturday, Boehner was more interested in talking about the presidential race.

One day before Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is scheduled to speak in West Chester, Boehner endorsed Ohio Gov. John Kasich for president.

In fact, the former speaker told a crowded ballroom in the same township he already voted for Kasich.

"He's my friend," said Boehner.

It was Boehner's first public appearance in the area since he retired last year.

In February, Boehner delivered a speech on the threat posed by Iran at a hotel in downtown Washington. He stayed on message and, after the speech, sped by a cluster of reporters trying to ask him about the presidential race.

Boehner steers clear of GOP presidential primary

But on Saturday, Boehner talked about the late Carlos Todd, one of the most influential members of Butler County's Republican Party. Todd died in October. Both were honored at a Lincoln Day dinner for the county's Republican Party.

Boehner also reflected on his time as Speaker.

"I have no regrets about how I retired or when I retired," Boehner said. "Every day I'm grateful I'm not there."

Saturday was a good day for Boehner.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted and other elected officials each took turns praising Boehner and his time in office.

West Chester Township Trustee George Lang, a friend of Boehner's, told the crowd he was the "best speaker ever."

It was the type of day Boehner had fewer and fewer of during his time in Congress. It's why the race to replace him is so interesting. Many of the same congressmen and conservative groups responsible for his exit have poured money into the 8th District race.

Their goal: Elect someone who is not like Boehner.

Frothing political undercurrent fuels Boehner race

In an Enquirer editorial board meeting last month, a majority of the five candidates interviewed said they would not have voted for Boehner again. Last week, the Wall Street Journal wrote an article about Boehner's crumbling legacy.

Boehner didn't directly acknowledge this narrative Saturday, but spoke like he had heard it a lot.

"I'm still the same Jack today that I was when I walked in (to Congress) 25 years ago," Boehner told the crowd. "Some guys might say I'm too much like me. But I was always going to be just me."

Perhaps the best example of this came when he was introduced by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Sharon Kennedy. She told the crowd Boehner's only shortcoming was he didn't take enough credit for what he did for the American people.

Boehner gave her a long hug as he took the stage. It was an emotional moment.

"All she was trying to do was make me cry," Boehner said. "It's not hard to do."