"The issue is not a partisan issue," Kasich told The Associated Press in an interview. As a presidential contender last year, Kasich pledged he would balance the federal budget within eight years while cutting taxes and spending more on the military. "A balanced budget amendment forces Congress to make difficult decisions and it provides an excuse to members when they face pressure to spend. Among opponents fighting a balanced budget convention are groups as politically different as the John Birch Society and the League of Women Voters. He said he's surprised Kasich would admit to a balanced budget amendment's role in providing political cover in Washington.

Source: ABC News March 25, 2017 15:20 UTC